Early White Vienna

Family: Brassicaceae Vegetable

Sweetly crisp and cool as fresh spring air, Early White Vienna forms tender, snow-white kohlrabi bulbs with a clean, juicy snap and a mild, delicately sweet bite.

The smooth, globe-to-egg silhouette stays pleasantly tender through early harvest, making it ideal for fresh enjoyment and quick pickling, as well as roasting for caramelized edges. Grow it for a reliable 55-day rhythm of crisp texture and bright, garden-fresh flavor you’ll want again and again.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 55 DaysHabit: Rosette

Botanical illustration of Early White Vienna

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 28th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 18th
Harvest Begins	Jun 12th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	55
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	40
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	30
Harden Off (days)	6

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Early White Vienna gives you that clean, juicy crunch typical of great kohlrabi—mild enough for raw shaving, but it browns fast for sweet, caramelized edges. Use it where you want snap: thin slices in acid, or hot-roasted wedges that stay textured instead of turning woolly.

Best Uses

thin shave for crunchy salads with citrus dressing
quick-pickle batons for tangy, snappy snacking
roast or pan-sear for caramelized edges while keeping the center crisp
brine-slick slaws where it won’t go soggy fast

Flavor Profile

sweet, mild brassica bite juicy crunch with a fine, tender snap subtly nutty-sweet when caramelized fresh, springy leafiness

Kitchen Pairings

butter lemon mustard apple cider vinegar pork feta

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease is most likely to hit Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes (early kohlrabi), and what should I do?

Watch closely for cabbage worms/loopers and aphids, which chew leaves and can reduce stand quality. Hand-pick caterpillars when you spot them, and apply an insect net or row cover from transplanting until harvest; for heavier pressure, use an approved Bt spray for caterpillars and reapply after rain. If you see yellowing and wilting or blackened roots, remove affected plants promptly and avoid replanting brassicas in the same soil for at least a few seasons.

How often should I water early kohlrabi during the main growing phase to form good bulbs?

During active bulb swelling (roughly from when stems start enlarging until harvest), keep soil consistently evenly moist—about 1 inch of water per week, split into smaller waterings if it’s hot or windy. Let the top 1 inch of soil dry slightly between waterings, but don’t allow the plants to fully dry out and then swing back to soaking, which can lead to tough, fibrous kohlrabi.

How can I tell when Early White Vienna kohlrabi is ready to harvest?

Harvest when the swollen stem (the “bulb”) reaches about 2–3 inches in diameter and the skin looks smooth and tender. Check a plant a few days before your 55-day target—once you see that size, pick regularly because kohlrabi can become woody if left too long. Use a sharp knife to cut at the soil line, then harvest all at peak size for best texture.