Kohl Rabi Seeds - Superschmelz

150 Seeds.

Other Names - Brassica oleracea…

This giant variety of kohl rabi can produce a root as large as 25cm in diameter. Unlike other large growing varieties Superschmelz does not become tough or fibrous with age. The flesh remains juicy, sweet and tender. This variety can be stored overwinter and the large root system of Superschmelz lends itself well to dry gardens.

• A super large kohl rabi that keeps its tender juicy flesh even when large.
• An easy vegetable to grow.
• Stores well overwinter.

Suitable For - Vegetable plot, raised beds

Sowing Months - Late March - July

Harvest - June - December

Gardening is about finding the right balance! Try growing Companion Plants close by to help deter pests.

• Amaranth or clover are great plants for attracting the ground beetle. This predatory beetle eats slugs, snails, slug and snail eggs, caterpillars and weed seed.
• Cabbage white butterflies are drawn to nasturtiums. Try growing these flowers close by as a sacrificial plant.
• Calendula (Pot marigold) attracts predatory insects such as lacewings, ladybirds and hoverflies who love to feast on aphids.
• White mustard can help to draw the flea beetle away from the crop as the pest normally favours this leaf. Mint can also help to deter the flea beetle.
• Low growing Limnanthes helps to keep the surrounding soil moist, supresses weed growth, attracts bees and hoverflies who's larvae feed on aphids. The plant can be dug in as green manure at the end of the season.

Soil Preperation

Add well rotted manure or compost a few months before sowing or planting. Lime if necessary as brassicas prefer alkaline soils. Add a general purpose organic fertilizer 1 - 2 weeks before sowing or planting and remove any weeds.

Sowing Guide

Early Sowing/Module Sowing

Sow 2 - 3 seeds per 4 cm module. As soon as germination starts reduce the heat and move to an area with good daylight exposure, a windowsill or greenhouse is ideal. When the seedlings are large enough to handle thin to one strong seedling per module. 1 - 2 weeks later (depending on speed of growth) plant out. Harden the plants over 7 - 10 days before planting out to reduce the chances of shock.
Plant at the distance and row distance suggested above. Firm the soil and water well. Cover early sowings with some horticultural fleece until growth becomes strong. Replace the fleece with some fine insect mesh to keep birds and other brassica pests at bay especially if the crop is grown over the summer months.

Direct Sowing

Sow the seeds every 2 - 3 cm at the depth and row distance suggested above. Cover the seeds with soil and water well. Cover the newly sown bed with fine insect mesh to help keep brassica pests at bay. Water the seedlings well especially in dry weather.
When the first true leaves appear start to thin out the seedlings. The larger thinning's can be eaten like spinach. Continue thinning out in stages until the plants are about 35 cm apart. After each thinning cover the crop again with fine insect mesh.

Growing On

Water the plants well especially during dry weather. Weed regularly. For spring and summer sowings sow little and often to keep a steady supply of young kohl rabi over a long season and to avoid gluts. June and July sowings of this variety can be left to grow large for storing over the winter months. Unlike other kohl rabi varieties Superschmelz will not develop a stringy and woody texture if left to grow large.

Harvesting

Harvest summer kohl rabi when they are about tennis ball size. This variety however can be left to grow larger if preferred. Young leaves can also be eaten like spinach. June and July sowings of this variety can be stored over the winter months. They should be left in the ground to grow large until late December or before any hard frosts arrive.
To store, remove the leaves and trim the roots. Do not store damaged or small sized kohl rabi as they will not store well. Store in paper bags or boxes of damp compost in a frost free garage or shed for winter use.