Kohl-Rabi
(Brassica oleracea Caulo-rapa). Kohl-Rabi is a very distinct vegetable, not very largely cultivated, except as a field crop. It comes between the Cabbage and Turnip, and is generally used as a substitute for the latter. The upper part of the stem swells into a large fleshy head above ground, resembling a Turnip. Kohl-Rabi has several advantages over some other vegetables, and consequently deserves a place in gardens. It is exceedingly hardy, withstanding even severe frosts, and also resists drought much better than the Turnip.
Cultivation. Like all other plants of the Brassica tribe, Kohl-Rabi is raised from seed, which should be sown outside (any time from April to June, inclusive), in an ordinary seed bed, or where the crop is intended to be grown. In the former case, transplant, when 2in. high, into any good, well-manured ground, allowing a distance of about 1 1/4ft. between the rows, and 1ft. in the rows; and, if the latter plan is adopted, thin out to these distances. Water should be given for a time until fresh roots are emitted. An occasional hoeing, to keep the surface soil open and clean, is nearly all that will be necessary for after-treatment. The fleshy heads are fit for use when about the size of a Dutch Turnip. The crop is frequently of great importance when failure with Turnips is caused by insects or drought, which seldom affect the Kohl-Rabi.
Sorts. There are about half-a-dozen sorts in cultivation, but only two are recommended for garden purposes; the others are more or less coarse and vigorous in habit. These are Early Purple Vienna and Early White Vienna, dwarf and useful sorts, the bulbs varying chiefly in the colour of their skins. They are not good if allowed to get old and large before being used.