Superschmelz

Family: Brassicaceae Vegetable

Sweetly nutty and delicately cabbage-bright, Superschmelz forms a smooth, globe-to-oval kohlrabi with a tender, crisp bite and a fine, juicy texture.

The flesh stays pleasantly mild as it matures, making it ideal for fresh slicing, quick roasting, and brightening into slaws and creamy sauces. Grow Superschmelz for a dependable, winter-ready harvest that keeps its flavor clean and satisfying from garden to table.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 70 DaysHabit: Rosette

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 27th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	70
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	45
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	32
Harden Off (days)	6

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Superschmelz has that rare kohlrabi trait: nutty and sweet without turning aggressive or sulfurous, with a crisp bite that survives heat. Use it where you want cabbage brightness but a clean, mellow finish—thin, roast-hot, or blitzed into a silky sauce that tastes like winter comfort without heaviness.

Best Uses

thin slices with salt and lemon for a crisp, high-contrast snack
quick roast until edges caramelize while centers stay juicy
shredded slaw that holds dressing without going woolly
blended into a creamy sauce for a pale, veggie-forward puree

Flavor Profile

sweetly nutty flavor cabbage-bright, mild brassica bite tender-crisp, juicy texture keeps a clean, mild character as it matures

Kitchen Pairings

butter lemon mustard bacon caraway Greek yogurt

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease problem commonly affects Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes (kohlrabi/Superschmelz), and how can I stop it?

Kohlrabi is commonly hit by cabbage worms (cabbage loopers/diamondback moth larvae) and aphids, which chew leaves and can leave rough spots on swelling stems. Inspect plants 2–3 times weekly and cover seedlings with fine insect netting as soon as they emerge; if you see active larvae, use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) sprays and repeat per label after new hatching. If you notice a pale, downy growth or yellowing with soggy leaves, remove affected leaves and improve airflow because brassicas are prone to fungal leaf issues in cool, wet weather.

How often should I water kohlrabi (Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes) during the main growing phase?

Water to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy as the stems start swelling (roughly after establishment through harvest). Aim for about 1–1.5 inches (2.5–3.8 cm) per week, adjusting for heat so the top 1 inch (2.5 cm) doesn’t dry out completely; irregular watering can cause stem toughening or splitting. Mulch lightly to steady moisture and water at the base to reduce leaf wetness.

How do I tell when Superschmelz kohlrabi is ready to harvest?

Harvest when the stem is firm and swollen—typically around 70 days from sowing—before it becomes woody. A good target size is roughly 2.5–4 inches (6–10 cm) across; if it’s getting larger but feels hard or fibrous at the surface, it’s past peak tenderness. Cut the bulb at the base with a sharp knife in the morning for the best texture.