Konstance Kohlrabi is a crisp, mildly sweet brassica that's been rediscovered by modern gardeners after years of obscurity. This curious bulbous crop matures in just 42 days from transplant and grows to a compact 14 inches tall and wide, thriving across hardiness zones 2 through 10. The apple-tinged flavor and tender texture make it equally at home raw or cooked, while its deer resistance and drought tolerance mean less fussing once established.
1
Full Sun
High
2-10
14in H x 14in W
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Moderate
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Once nearly forgotten, Konstance Kohlrabi has found its way back into gardens thanks to its genuine appeal: a crisp bulb with a subtle sweetness and hint of apple that works beautifully raw or roasted. At just 42 days to maturity, it's quick enough to fit into almost any growing schedule, and it thrives in full sun across a wide range of hardiness zones. The bulbs stay tender and sweet when harvested at 2 to 4 inches, and fall-grown plants are less likely to turn woody and bitter as they size up.
Konstance Kohlrabi shines both raw and cooked. Slice the crisp bulbs thin for fresh salads where the mild, apple-like sweetness adds unexpected brightness, or roast them until caramelized for a tender, almost nutty side dish. The leaves are also edible and can be sautéed or added to soups. Its fiber content, along with vitamins C and B6, copper, potassium, and manganese make it a nutritious choice for any cooking method.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Start seeds indoors at temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Days to maturity are calculated from the date of transplant, so time your indoor seeding accordingly to ensure transplants are ready when outdoor conditions stabilize.
Transplant seedlings outdoors once they reach appropriate size and soil has warmed. Space transplants 1 inch apart within rows spaced 12 inches apart. Ensure the transplanting site receives full sun and has soil pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
Direct sowing is possible, though transplanting is more commonly practiced. Avoid sowings in May and June, as these often result in poor outcomes. July onward is ideal for direct seeding, allowing fall harvest of superior quality bulbs.
Harvest Konstance Kohlrabi bulbs when they reach 2 to 4 inches in diameter for optimal tenderness and flavor. For spring-sown crops, this smaller size is especially important to avoid woodiness. Fall-grown kohlrabi can be allowed to grow slightly larger without losing quality, as cooler temperatures naturally slow the development of toughness and bitterness. Cut the bulb off at ground level using a clean, sharp knife. For extended harvests, plant every 2 to 3 weeks.
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“Kohlrabi as a whole belongs to the Brassica oleracea family and was once a common kitchen garden staple, only to fade from popular cultivation for decades. Konstance represents a rediscovery of this crop by contemporary gardeners who have recognized its value as a crisp, flavorful vegetable that doesn't demand excessive space or care. The renewed interest in heirloom and forgotten vegetables has brought it back into seed catalogs and home gardens, where it serves as a bridge between culinary tradition and modern growing practices.”