(Brassica oleracea 'Purple Vienna')
Purple Vienna Kohlrabi is a heirloom, hardy, cool weather biennial vegetable that is native to northern Europe, but can be found growing in gardens throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 12-18” and features a 2 1/2" deep purple bulb that have a white flesh and rosette-shaped, dark green leaves. This plant can be grown in a container, tolerates frost, and is edible!
Genus: Brassica
Species: oleracea
Variety: Purple Vienna Kohlrabi
Native to: France, Great Britain, Spain.
Introduced into: Albania, Algeria, Antipodean Is., Assam, Baltic States, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belgium, California, Canary Is., Central European Rus, Chatham Is., Chile South, China North-Central, China South-Central, China Southeast, Connecticut, Costa Rica, Crozet Is., Czechoslovakia, East European Russia, East Himalaya, Easter Is., Ecuador, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Falkland Is., Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Illinois, India, Iowa, Iraq, Juan Fernández Is., Kazakhstan, Kentucky, Kenya, Korea, Krym, Labrador, Lebanon-Syria, Libya, Madeira, Massachusetts, Morocco, Netherlands, New Caledonia, New South Wales, New York, New Zealand North, New Zealand South, Newfoundland, North European Russi, Northern Territory, Northwest European R, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Prince Edward I., Queensland, Québec, Rhode I., Sardegna, Saudi Arabia, South Australia, South European Russi, Tadzhikistan, Tanzania, Tasmania, Texas, Trinidad-Tobago, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Vermont, Victoria, Vietnam, Western Australia, Zaïre.
Ease of Growing: Moderate
Grown as: Biennial
Days to Maturity: Spring/Summer 55-65 days, Fall/Winter 65-75 days
Hardiness: Half Hardy. Kohlrabi is hardy and grows best in the cool (40-70 degree F) weather of spring and fall.
Crops: Spring Transplant, Spring, Fall
Growing Season: Short, Long
Growing Conditions: Cold, Cool. Kohlrabi needs full sun, and should not be planted where another Brassica has grown in the previous three years, as it can lead to disease and pest problems. Kohlrabi generally does better as a fall crop, sown 6 to 8 weeks before the first autumn frost date. Autumn Kohlrabi bulbs can be allowed to get larger than 2" to 3", because cold weather seems to keep them tender (it also increases their sweetness). For spring planting, sow the first crop 4-6 weeks before the last frost date. You can make several succession sowings (very early sowings may be vernalized and bolt). In cool climates, you can continue to succession sow all summer.
Outdoor Growing Temp: 40°F - 75°F
Min Outdoor Soil Temp: 45°F
Start Indoors: Yes
Start Outdoors: Yes
Light: Sun min. 6 hours daily (Cold, Cool). Full sun.
Water: Moderate. Keep the soil evenly moist or the bulbous stems may turn woody. Fortunately this isn't often an issue with this cool weather crop.
Feeder: Light. Low nitrogen. High potassium. High phosphorous. It's a light feeding crop and doesn't need a lot of nitrogen, but it does like potassium (add greens and or wood ashes). It also likes calcium.
Suitability: Tolerates light frost
Small Gardens?: Yes
Containers?: Yes. While kohlrabi isn't particularly well suited for container growing, it can be done in a large container. Ideally, one that is 8-12 inches deep and 12-18 inches wide. If planting multiple plants in one container, make sure they are spaced 18-24 inches apart.
Attracts beneficial insects?: No
Maintenance: Low
Plant Height: 12-18"
Spacing: 6-8"
Sow Depth: 1/4"-1/2"
Hardiness Zone: 3-11
Produces: a 2 1/2" deep purple bulb that have a white flesh and rosette-shaped, dark green leaves.
Taste Profile: Mild and sweet, similar to broccoli.
Soil Preparation
Soil pH: 6.0-7.0, Ideal 6.4-6.6. Kohlrabi likes a light, rich, moisture-retentive soil, with lots of organic matter.
Soil Preparation:
Standard Mix, 5 pounds per 100 sq. ft., in top 6" of soil, 1 time: Incorporate a standard mix into the top 6" of soil with the compost. This is a mix of various amendments intended to supply all of the nutrients plants may require. It is usually incorporated into the soil prior to planting.
The mix consists of:
- 4 parts cottonseed meal (this is high in nitrogen and relatively inexpensive)
- 2 parts colloidal phosphate or bone meal (for phosphorus)
- 2 parts wood ash or 3 parts greensand or granite dust (for potassium)
- 1 part dolomitic limestone (to balance pH and add calcium and magnesium)
- 1 part kelp meal (for trace elements)
Mix these together thoroughly. You can do this all at once, or you can store them separately and mix as needed.
Compost (Nitrogen), 2 inches, in top 6" of soil, 1 time: Incorporate 2˝ of compost or aged manure into the top 6˝ of soil. Alternatively, you could add fresh manure the previous fall for your spring planting.
Start Indoors
Soil temp for germination: 40°F to 95°F, optimal 75°F to 80°F, optimal 77°F
Total weeks to grow transplant: 7 to 9 (Spring/Summer), 9 to 10 (Fall/Winter)
Germinate: 4-5 weeks before last frost date.
When: Start seeds 4 to 5 weeks before expected last frost.
How: Sow seeds 1/2" deep and 1" apart in containers indoors. Keep evenly moist and provide a strong light source for seedlings until planting out.
Transplant Outdoors
When: Transplant Kohlrabi outside when the ground can be worked and seedlings are 3" tall.
How: Transplant seedlings out of their pots into the garden. Space seedlings 6" apart. Water thoroughly after transplanting.
Cold, Cool: Kohlrabi needs full sun, and should not be planted where another Brassica has grown in the previous three years, as it can lead to disease and pest problems. Kohlrabi generally does better as a fall crop, sown 6 to 8 weeks before the first autumn frost date. Autumn Kohlrabi bulbs can be allowed to get larger than 2" to 3", because cold weather seems to keep them tender (it also increases their sweetness).
For spring planting, sow the first crop 4-6 weeks before the last frost date. You can make several succession sowings (very early sowings may be vernalized and bolt).
In cool climates, you can continue to succession sow all summer.
When outdoor temp: 40°F to 75°F, optimal temp 60°F to 65°F
When min soil temp: 45°F
Spacing: 6"-8", 4 plants per sq ft. You should plant kohlrabi in offset rows across the bed. Space it 6 - 8" apart, depending on the fertility of the soil. Make sure the plants aren't crowded, or they won't size up properly.
Support: No
Start Indoors
For spring planting, sow the first crop 4-6 weeks before the last frost date. You can make several succession sowings (very early sowings may be vernalized and bolt).
In cool climates, you can continue to succession sow all summer.
When outdoor temp: 40°F to 75°F, optimal temp 60°F to 65°F
When min soil temp: 45°F
Seed Depth: 0.25"-0.5". Sow 1/4" in cold soil, 1/2" deep in warmer soil.
Spacing: 6"-8", 4 plants per sq ft. You should plant kohlrabi in offset rows across the bed. Space it 6 - 8" apart, depending on the fertility of the soil. Make sure the plants aren't crowded, or they won't size up properly.
Spring Crop:
4-6 weeks before last frost date: Sow seeds 1" apart in rows 6 - 8" apart. Seeds should be directly sown 1/2" deep. Keep the soil evenly moist.
Fall Crop:
10-11 weeks before first frost date: Late summer is a great time to sow Kohlrabi. It loves the cool temperatures and does best in the Fall.
How: Sow seeds 1" apart in rows 6 - 8" apart. Seeds should be directly sown 1/2" deep. Keep the soil evenly moist.
Support: No
Water Needs: Moderate. Keep the soil evenly moist or the bulbous stems may turn woody. Fortunately this isn't often an issue with this cool weather crop.
Fertilizer Needs: Light. Low nitrogen. High potassium. High phosphorous. It's a light feeding crop and doesn't need a lot of nitrogen, but it does like potassium (add greens and or wood ashes). It also likes calcium.
Watering, regularly: Water, 0.5 inches, regularly, 2 times a week. The plants have the greatest need for water when their bulbs are forming, so make sure you keep the soil moist at this time. Keep the soil evenly moist or the bulbous stems may turn woody. This should not be a issue with this cool weather crop. Watering also depends on your local weather; don't water if it's raining, or water more frequently if it's dry. Just be sure to keep soil moist for the best crop. The best way to know how much moisture is in your soil is to feel 2" below the soil line. If it's dry, water.
Weeding, regularly: regularly, every 3 weeks. It is best to control weeds by hand weeding, as hoeing can easily damage the shallow roots and swollen stems. A mulch will also help.
Side Dressing, after planting: Compost tea, 5 gallon(s) per 100 sq. ft., after planting, 1 time a month. If the soil isn’t very fertile, you should give the plants a liquid feed of compost tea once a month. A liquid feed of compost tea is helpful in early spring, while the soil is cool and nitrogen is not readily available.
Support: No
Harvesting
The edible portion of kohlrabi is not the root, but rather the round, swollen stem of the plant. Leaves are also edible. Harvest when stem swells to 3-5" and is easily visible above the soil.
When and How:
Whole Plant, 1-42 days after maturity
When: Start harvesting the bulbous stems when they are 1½˝ to 2˝ in diameter, as they are most tender at this stage. You can eat the larger 3˝ diameter roots, but in warm weather they often develop a woody core and their flavor deteriorates. In winter even the larger bulbs can be good.
How: Cut the stem an inch below the bulb, or simply uproot the entire plant if they aren’t growing too close together (don’t disturb neighboring plants). For storage you should cut off the leaves and roots. Kohlrabi stores very well and will keep for several weeks in the fridge in a plastic bag. It may last for several months in a root cellar at 32 to 40˚ F and 90%+ humidity. It also freezes well.
Storage
Storage Req: Refrigerator
Storage Temp: 35-40°F
Storage Length: 1-14 days
In very cold climates you may have to lift the plants in fall and store them in a root cellar over the winter. Re-plant them in spring when it warms up.
Seed Viability in Years: 4 - 5 Years
Germination Percentage: 75%
Mild and sweet, similar to broccoli.
Culinary Use:
Kohlrabi can be eaten peeled and sliced thin for a healthy low calorie snack, shredded and used in a slaw, or chopped, steamed or sauteed.
Companion Planting
Companions: In fertile soil. Interplant kohlrabi with other members of the cabbage family, such as broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower, which share its heavy feeding habits.
Enemies: Companion gardening lore suggests that kohlrabi may fail to thrive when planted with strawberries tomatoes, or pole beans.
Problems
Aphids
To attract Ladybugs to your garden you will need to grow: Angelica, Calendula, Caraway, Chives, Cilantro, Cosmos, Dill, Fennel, Feverfew, Marigold, Statice, Sweet Alyssum, and Yarrow. You may also want to grow decoy crops to keep your ladybugs supplied with aphids to eat such as Early cabbage, Marigold, Nasturtium, and Radish. Without a food source, your ladybugs will be forced to leave which will leave your crops vulnerable.
Soft-winged Flower Beetle or Collops Beetle: Collops beetles are commonly found on Alfalfa and Cotton plants in agricultural fields, landscapes and gardens. The adult eats aphids and the larvae are active predators in the soil. Two
abundant species in Utah are the two-spotted melyrid and the soft-winged flower beetle. Collops beetles are not commercially available.
Soldier Beetles: The adult stage of the soldier beetle eats aphids. The larvae live in the soil and help to control soil-borne pests. There are beetles that look similar to soldier beetles such as blister beetles and click beetles, so use care when identifying them. Soldier beetles are not commercially available.
Since Soldiers Beetles lay their eggs in the soil, all you have to do to is grow good nectar or pollen producing plants like Asclepias (milkweed), Solidago (goldenrod), and, while it’s not well understood, they seem particularly attracted to hydrangeas. Soldier Beetles can be found on flowers where they lie and wait for prey. They also feed on nectar and pollen but do not damage the plants.
Long-legged Flies: There are many species of long-legged flies (Dolichopodidae), the adults of which are predators of soft-bodied pests such as thrips, aphids, spider mites, flea hoppers, booklice, flies, silverfish, small caterpillars, and a variety of other small insects. They also eat nectar from flowers. The adult is recognized by the long legs and tapered abdomen but also by the metalic green or blue color. Larvae of long-legged flies are maggot-like in appearance and develop in wet or dry soil, rotting vegetation, or under bark. They are not commercially available.
Syrphid, Flower, or Hover Flies: Syrphid flies are about the size of house flies and hover in flight. The adults, which sometimes resemble bees, are not predaceous, but the larvae are aphid predators. The larvae vary in color from green to brown, some with a stripe or two down the back. The body tapers to the mouthparts. Syrphid flies are not commercially available.
To attract Hover Flies to your garden try growing: Fern-leaf yarrow (Achillea filipendulina), Common yarrow
(Achillea millefolium), Carpet bugleweed (Ajuga reptans), Lavender globe lily (Allium tanguticum), Basket of Gold (Alyssum saxatilis), Dill (Anethum graveolens), Golden Marguerite (Anthemis tinctoria), Dwarf alpine aster (Aster alpinus), Masterwort (Astrantia major), \Four-wing saltbush (Atriplex canescens), Purple poppy mallow (Callirhoe involucrata), Caraway (Carum carvi), Feverfew (Chrysanthemum parthenium), Coriander (Coriandrum sativum),
Cosmos white sensation (Cosmos bipinnatus), Queen Anne’s lace (Daucus carota), Buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum CA), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), Poached egg plant (Limnanthes douglasii), Statice (Limonium latifolium), Butter and eggs (Linaria vulgaris), Edging lobelia (Lobelia erinus), Sweet alyssum white (Lobularia maritima), Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis), Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium), Spearmint (Mentha spicata), Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa), Rocky Mountain penstemon (Penstemon strictus), Parsley (Petroselinum crispum), Sulfur cinquefoil (Potentilla recta ‘warrenii’), Alpine cinquefoil (Potentilla villosa), Gloriosa daisy (Rudbeckia fulgida), Orange stonecrop (Sedum kamtschaticum), Stonecrops (Sedum spurium), Peter Pan goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), Wood betony (Stachys officinalis), Marigold “lemon gem” (Tagetes tenuifolia),
Crimson thyme (Thymus serpylum coccineus), Spike speedwell (Veronica spicata), Zinnia "liliput" (Zinnia elegans).
Predaceous Midges: The larvae of these flies are very small (~1/10 inch long), but are generalist predators of mites, aphids and other soft-bodied insects. The larvae are yellow to orange in color. The adults are not predatory. Predaceous midges are commercially available.
Damsel Bugs: These true bugs are very common and abundant in farms, gardens and landscapes. They are generalist predators and both the adults and nymphs eat aphids, caterpillar eggs, small larvae, fleahoppers, lygus bugs, leafhoppers, treehoppers, spider mites, and other soft-bodied insects, especially on shorter growing plants. They are common in agricultural habitats, such as soybean, corn, and alfalfa. Damsel bugs are greyish brown in color and have grasping front legs. They are not commercially available.
To attract Damsel Bugs to your garden you will need to grow: Caraway (Carum carvi), Cosmos “white sensation” (Cosmos bipinnatus), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Spearmint (Mentha spicata), Peter Pan Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), and Marigold “lemon gem” (Tagetes tenuifolia).
Big-eyed Bugs: Big-eyed bugs are small (~3/16 inch long), fast moving true bugs. They are generalist predators and are most commonly seen on the ground or in shorter growing plants. They prey on aphids, small caterpillars and caterpillar eggs, fleahoppers, lygus bugs, mites, thrips, whiteflies. They are distinguished by their very large eyes which are as broad as the width of their body. Big-eyed bugs are not available commercially.
To attract Big-eyed bugs to your garden you will need to grow: Caraway (Carum carvi), Cosmos “white sensation” (Cosmos bipinnatus), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Spearmint (Mentha spicata), Peter Pan Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), and Marigold “lemon gem” (Tagetes tenuifolia).
Minute Pirate Bugs: Minute pirate bugs are very small (~1/12 inch long) predators that are difficult to see without a hand lens or jeweler’s loupe. They are generalist predators that feed on small insect prey. Both the nymphs and adults are predaceous. The adults are identified by the black and white color and an X pattern across the back. The nymphs are tiny and red to orange in color. Minute pirate bugs are commercially available.
To attract Minute Pirate Bugs to your garden you will need to grow: Caraway (Carum carvi), Cosmos “white sensation” (Cosmos bipinnatus), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Spearmint (Mentha spicata), Peter Pan Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), and Marigold “lemon gem” (Tagetes tenuifolia).
Lacewings: Green lacewings are common generalist predators that feed on aphids. Brown lacewings are slightly smaller. Some species of adult lacewings are predaceous while the larvae are very active predators that feed on soft-bodied prey such as mites, aphids, leafhoppers, thrips, whiteflies, and pest eggs. Lacewings in nearly all life stages are commercially available.
To attract Lacewings to your garden you will need to grow: Fern-leaf yarrow (Achillea filipendulina), Dill (Anethum graveolens), Angelica (Angelica gigas), Golden marguerite (Anthemis tinctoria), Four-wing saltbush (Atriplex canescens), Purple poppy mallow (Callirhoe involucrata), Caraway (Carum carvi), Coriander (Coriandrum sativum),
Cosmos white sensation (Cosmos bipinnatus), Queen Anne’s lace (Daucus carota), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Prairie sunflower (Helianthus maximilianii), Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare), Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale).
Parasitic Wasps: There are several species of parasitoid wasps that parasitize aphids specifically. Parasitic wasps that specialize on aphids are very small (~1/8 inch long) and female wasps have a modified stinger for depositing eggs. The egg is injected into an aphid where the larva develops inside. Parasitized aphids are a light tan to gold color and have a bulbous look. A circular cut out on the rearend of the aphid indicates adult wasp emergence. Parasitic wasps are commercially available but there are abundant populations in the environment.
Hornets, Paper Wasps, Yellow Jackets: Although hornets, paper wasps and yellow jackets are often considered a nuisance, they are predators of soft-bodied insects. They do not typically sting humans unless they are disturbed. If their nests are not in an area likely to be disturbed by people then it is not a bad idea to leave them alone.
Cabbage Loopers
To attract Ladybugs to your garden you will need to grow: Angelica, Calendula, Caraway, Chives, Cilantro, Cosmos, Dill, Fennel, Feverfew, Marigold, Statice, Sweet Alyssum, and Yarrow. You may also want to grow decoy crops to keep your ladybugs supplied with aphids to eat such as Early cabbage, Marigold, Nasturtium, and Radish. Without a food source, your ladybugs will be forced to leave which will leave your crops vulnerable.
Minute Pirate Bugs: Preys on spider mites, cabbage looper, insect eggs, caterpillars, aphids, thrips
To attract Minute Pirate Bugs to your garden you will need to grow: Caraway (Carum carvi), Cosmos “white sensation” (Cosmos bipinnatus), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Spearmint (Mentha spicata), Peter Pan Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), and Marigold “lemon gem” (Tagetes tenuifolia).
Spiders: Prey on a wide range including bed bugs, aphids, roaches, grasshoppers, cabbage looper, and fruit flies.
To attract Spiders to your garden you will need to grow: tall plants for weaving spiders, mulch for predatory spiders.
Cabbageworms
To attract Braconid Wasps to your garden you will need to grow: Fern-leaf Yarrow, Common Yarrow, Dill, Lemon Balm, and Parsley.
Damsel Bugs: Prey on Caterpillars, Mites, Aphids, Potato Beetles, and Cabbage Worms.
To attract Damsel Bugs to your garden you will need to grow: Caraway (Carum carvi), Cosmos “white sensation” (Cosmos bipinnatus), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Spearmint (Mentha spicata), Peter Pan Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), and Marigold “lemon gem” (Tagetes tenuifolia).
Tachinid Flies: Prey on Cabbageworms, Gypsy Moths, Japanese Beetles, Mexican Bean Beetle, Cutworms, and Squash Bugs.
To attract Tachinid Flies to your garden you will need to grow: carrots, dill, coriander, and buckwheat.
Yellow Jacket Wasps: Although hornets, paper wasps and yellow jackets are often considered a nuisance, they are predators of soft-bodied insects. They do not typically sting humans unless they are disturbed. If their nests are not in an area likely to be disturbed by people then it is not a bad idea to leave them alone.
Cutworms
To attract Ground Beetles to your garden you will need to grow: evening primrose, amaranthus, and clover.
Tachinid Flies: Preys on Gypsy Moths, Flea Beetles, Japanese Beetles, Mexican Bean Beetles, Cutworms, and Squash Bugs.
To attract Tachinid Flies to your garden you will need to grow: Carrots, Dill, Coriander, and Buckwheat.
Braconid Wasps: Prey on Tobacco Hornworm, Tomato Hornworm, Caterpillars, Aphids, Flea Beetles, and Mexican Bean Beetles.
To attract Braconid Wasps to your garden you will need to grow: Fern-leaf Yarrow, Common Yarrow, Dill, Lemon Balm, and Parsley.
Spiders: Prey on a wide range including bed bugs, aphids, roaches, grasshoppers, cabbage looper, and fruit flies.
To attract Spiders to your garden you will need to grow: tall plants for weaving spiders, mulch for predatory spiders.
Minute Pirate Bugs: Preys on spider mites, cabbage looper, insect eggs, caterpillars, aphids, thrips
To attract Minute Pirate Bugs to your garden you will need to grow: Caraway (Carum carvi), Cosmos “white sensation” (Cosmos bipinnatus), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Spearmint (Mentha spicata), Peter Pan Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), and Marigold “lemon gem” (Tagetes tenuifolia).
Damsel Bugs: Prey on Caterpillars, Mites, Aphids, Potato Beetles, and Cabbage Worms.
To attract Damsel Bugs to your garden you will need to grow: Caraway (Carum carvi), Cosmos “white sensation” (Cosmos bipinnatus), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Spearmint (Mentha spicata), Peter Pan Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), and Marigold “lemon gem” (Tagetes tenuifolia).
Green Lacewings: Preys on Aphids, Flea beetles, Whitefly, Leafhopper, Mealybugs, and Caterpillars of pest moths.
To attract Green Lacewings to your garden you will need to grow: Dill, Angelica, Golden Marguerite, Coriander, and Dandelion.
Flea Beetles
To attract Braconid Wasps to your garden you will need to grow: Fern-leaf Yarrow, Common Yarrow, Dill, Lemon Balm, and Parsley.
Tachinid Flies: Preys on Gypsy Moths, Flea Beetles, Japanese Beetles, Mexican Bean Beetles, Cutworms, and Squash Bugs.
To attract Tachinid Flies to your garden you will need to grow: Carrots, Dill, Coriander, and Buckwheat.
Green Lacewings: Preys on Aphids, Flea beetles, Whitefly, Leafhopper, Mealybugs, and Caterpillars of pest moths.
To attract Green Lacewings to your garden you will need to grow: Dill, Angelica, Golden Marguerite, Coriander, and Dandelion.
Damsel Bugs: Preys on Caterpillars, Mites, Aphids, Flea beetles, Potato beetles, and Cabbage worms.
To attract Damsel Bugs to your garden you will need to grow: Caraway (Carum carvi), Cosmos “white sensation” (Cosmos bipinnatus), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Spearmint (Mentha spicata), Peter Pan Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), and Marigold “lemon gem” (Tagetes tenuifolia).
Big-eyed Bugs: Preys on Aphids, small Caterpillars and Caterpillar eggs, Flea beetles, Fleahoppers, Lygus bugs, Mites, Thrips, Whiteflies.
To attract Big-Eyed Bugs to your garden you will need to grow: Caraway (Carum carvi), Cosmos “white sensation” (Cosmos bipinnatus), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Spearmint (Mentha spicata), Peter Pan Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), and Marigold “lemon gem” (Tagetes tenuifolia).
Nutrition
The Health Benefits of Kohlrabi
Weight Loss Booster: Kohlrabi is the perfect diet vegetable, because it is low in calories, high in fiber, and is packed with beneficial nutrition. Fiber makes us feel full, so even if the volume of food consumed isn’t that great, we resist the urge to snack between meals or overeat.
Nerve and Muscle Function: Although this characteristic of potassium isn’t discussed too often, it is one of the key players in muscle and nerve behavior in the body. It helps us move, breathe, react, and function every single day. As such, the high potassium content in kohlrabi makes it a great addition to your diet to keep alert, energetic, and in great shape!
Blood Pressure: That same potassium content also function as a vasodilator, reducing the strain on the cardiovascular system by easing the tension of blood vessels and arteries. This can increase circulation throughout the body, oxygenating key areas, and lowering the risk of cardiovascular events like strokes or heart attacks. Potassium is also a key part of fluid regulation in the body, as it works with sodium to regulate fluid movement between cells.
Iron Deficiency: The significant levels of iron found in kohlrabi go hand-in-hand with the potassium content, as iron helps to increase the RBC in the body, which is essential to prevent anemia (iron deficiency), which is characterized by weakness, fatigue, headaches, stomach disorders, disorientation, and general immune system failure. The calcium found in kohlrabi also improves the uptake of iron by the body, so kohlrabi is an all-around booster for both the immune and cardiovascular systems.
Bone Strength: As we get older, our bones inevitably weaken, but one of the best ways to avoid or significantly slow down that process is by eating mineral-rich food, which includes vegetables like kohlrabi, with high manganese, iron, and calcium contents. Preventing osteoporosis is something that can be done when you’re young, so keep those calcium levels high!
Vision Health: Protecting our ability to see the world is a key part of human nutrition, and nothing is better for that than vitamin A. Kohlrabi is a rich source of carotenes, including beta carotene, which acts as an antioxidant compound in the body, particularly in the ocular area. Vitamin A can help to prevent macular degeneration and slow down or eliminate the appearance of cataracts. This is done by neutralizing the free radicals in the eye and preventing oxidative stress.
Metabolism: For those people who want to regulate their metabolism or feel that something in their body just isn’t working properly, they should try kohlrabi, which is a rich source of B-vitamins, many of which play key roles in enzymatic processes within the body. This vital network of reactions and processes determines how functional and efficient our bodies are, so making sure to add B-vitamin-rich foods like kohlrabi to a weekly diet can really help!
Cancer Prevention: Kohlrabi is one of those amazing vegetables that seems blessed with high levels of phytochemicals, particularly glucosinolates, which are considered some of the most important antioxidant compounds for the prevention of cancer, including breast and prostate cancer.
A Final Word of Caution: Aside from a very rare case of a food allergy, kohlrabi is not the source of any known allergens and can be eaten without worry by the vast majority of people – especially for those looking for a healthier form of cabbage!
Suggested Varieties
(Amaranthus caudatus 'Love, Lies, Bleeding')
Love, Lies, Bleeding Amaranth is a heirloom annual leaf vegetable that is native to South America, but can be commonly found growing in gardens throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 2-4' and features erect, deep red stems, 6” oval, light green leaves and 12” bright red, drooping tassels. This plant can be grown in containers or hanging baskets, attracts bees and butterflies, tolerates drought, is used to make dye, self sows, is both edible and medicinal, and is great as a cut flower!
(Amaranthus tricolor 'Perfecta')
Only a few left!
Perfecta Amaranth is a heirloom upright, busy annual leaf vegetable that is native to India and tropical Asia, but can be commonly found growing in gardens throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 2-4' and feature s erect stems, 10” oval-shaped, green to purple leaves that have yellow and red blotches, and 1” green to red flowers. This plant can be grown in containers, attracts bees and butterflies, tolerates drought, is edible, and its foliage is a addition to cut flowers!
(Amaranthus cruentus 'Red Garnet')
Red garnet Amaranth is a heirloom, warm weather annual leaf vegetable that is native to Mexico and South America, but can be commonly found growing in gardens throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 6-7' and features erect stems, oval-shaped, burgundy red leaves, and large dark red flower spikes. This plant can be grown in containers, attracts bees, birds, and butterflies, tolerates drought, and it's edible!
(Melissa officinalis ‘Lemon Balm’)
Lemon Balm is a perennial herb that is native to Southern Europe but can be commonly found growing throughout the northwestern, southcentral, and eastern United States. At maturity, this plant reaches a height of 2' and features 3” oval, medium green, wrinkled, lemon-scented leaves, and tiny white flowers that have two lips. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, birds, butterflies, hoverflies, parasitic wasps, and tachinid flies, repels ants and flies, is resistant to deer, tolerates drought, is used to make essential oils and potpourri, self-sows, and is also both edible and medicinal!
(Beta vulgaris 'Cylindra')
Cylindra Beet is a heirloom, semi-hardy cool weather annual/biennial vegetable native to Denmark believed to be developed in 1888. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 6-12” and features a 6-7" long, dark red, carrot-shaped beets with red-veined tops. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts earwigs, is horse and rabbit safe, tolerates light frost, and is both edible and medicinal!
(Beta vulgaris 'Detroit Dark Red')
Detroit Dark Red Beet is a heirloom, semi-hardy cool weather annual/biennial vegetable that is native to Canada, where it was developed by a Mr. Reeves in Ontario and introduced by D.M. Ferry & Company in 1892. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 12-18” and features a 3" uniformly dark red, round beets with red stemmed, dark green tops. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts earwigs, is horse and rabbit safe, tolerates light frost, and is both edible and medicinal!
(Beta vulgaris 'Golden Detroit')
Golden Detroit Beet is a heirloom, semi-hardy cool weather annual/biennial vegetable that is native to Europe and western Asia, but can be commonly found growing in gardens throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 9-12” and features a 1-3” oval shaped orange-yellow roots with Light green tops. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts earwigs, is horse and rabbit safe, tolerates light frost, and is both edible and medicinal!
(Monarda fistulosa ‘Wild’)
Wild Bergamot is a native, perennial, clump-forming flower naturally found growing in dry, rocky woods and prairies across the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches a height of 2-3' and features a square-like stem, aromatic greenish-gray leaves, and globular clusters of two-lipped lavender flowers. This plant attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, is edible and medicinal, is used as a cut flower, is drought tolerant, is used to flavor perfumes, makes insect repellents and essential oils, is resistant to deer, and self-sows!
(Brassica oleracea 'Calabrese Green Sprouting')
Calabrese Green Sprouting Broccoli is an Italian heirloom, hardy, cool weather annual vegetable that is native to the Mediterranean region, but brought to America by the D'Arrigo brothers between 1904-11, and first offered to the public in 1923. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 30-36” and features erect stalks, 6” bluish-green centered floret, multiple side shoots, and yellow flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, is rabbit safe, tolerates light frost, and is edible.
(Brassica oleracea 'Purple Sprouting')
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Purple Sprouting Broccoli is an Italian heirloom, hardy, cool weather annual vegetable that is native to the Mediterranean region, but was introduced to the United States not long after they were listed in the French Vilmorin-Andrieux seed catalog in 1885. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 18-36” and features thin stem, side shoots of loose clusters of 3-5” purple florets, and bladed leaves. This plant can be grown in a container, is rabbit safe, tolerates frost, and is edible.
(Brassica oleracea 'Waltham 29')
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Waltham 29 Broccoli is a heirloom, hardy, cool weather annual vegetable that is native to Waltham, MA., where it was developed by the University of Massachusetts in 1950. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 18-24” and features a 4-6” blue-green central broccoli head, and side shoots that bare 1” florets. This plant can be grown in a container, is rabbit safe, tolerates frost, and is edible.
(Brassica oleracea 'Early Jersey Wakefield')
Early Jersey Wakefield Cabbage is a heirloom, hardy, cool weather annual vegetable that is native to England, but was first grown in the United States in 1840 by Francis Brill of Jersey City. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 12-18” and features dark-green, conical heads averaging 5" in diameter and weighing 2 to 3 lbs. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts earwigs, is rabbits safe (in moderation), can be used as a trap crop for aphids, tolerates frost, and is edible.
(Brassica oleracea 'Late Flat Dutch')
Late Flat Dutch Cabbage is a heirloom, hardy, cool weather annual vegetable that is native to the Netherlands, but was first offered in the United States by D. M. Ferry & Company in 1924. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 18-24” and features blue-green flat 12” heads that weigh up to 15 pounds. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts earwigs, is rabbit safe, can be used as a trap crop for aphids, tolerates frost, and is edible.
(Brassica oleracea 'Red Acre')
Red Acre Cabbage is a heirloom, hardy, cool weather annual vegetable that is native to southern Europe, but is commonly grown in the northern United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 12-18” and features reddish purple round heads that weight up to 3 pounds. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts earwigs, is rabbit safe, can be used as a trap crop for aphids, tolerates frost, and is edible.
(Brassica rapa 'Pak Choi')
Pak Choi Chinese Cabbage is a heirloom, hardy, cool weather annual vegetable that is native to southern China, but has been commercially grown in the United States for more than 100 years. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 6-18” and features a head of smooth, dark green leaves with thick white stalks. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts earwigs, is rabbit safe, can be used as a trap crop for aphids, tolerates frost, and is edible.
(Calendula officinalis ‘English Marigold’)
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English Marigold is an aromatic annual flower that is native to Spain and is commonly found growing along roadsides in the eastern and western United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 1-2' and features narrow, slightly hairy pointed leaves and bright orange 3-4” double blooms. This plant can be grown in containers, attracts bees, butterflies, and ladybugs, repels ants, tolerates rabbits, is both edible and medicinal, makes dye and insect repellent, self-sows, and is used as a cut flower!
(Carum carvi ‘Caraway')
Caraway is a biennial herb that is native to Europe and Asia but can be commonly found growing in meadows, prairies, and along roadsides throughout the northern United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 12-18” and features feathery fronds and umbrella shaped clusters of tiny white flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, butterflies, damsel bugs, hoverflies, lacewings, ladybugs, and predatory wasps, and is also both edible and medicinal!
(Daucus carota 'Chantenay Red Cored')
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Chantenay Red Cored Carrot is a heirloom, hardy, cool weather annual vegetable that is native to France, but is commonly grown across the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 12-18” and features a 7" long, orange, nearly coreless carrots. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts earwigs and tachinid flies, is rabbit safe, tolerates light frost, is used to flavor perfumes and make alcohol, and is both edible and medicinal.
(Daucus carota 'Cosmic Purple')
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Cosmic Purple Carrot is a hardy, cool weather annual vegetable that is native to Wisconsin, where it was developed in Madison by Dr. Philipp in 2005. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 6-12” and features 7" purple skinned carrots with orange and yellow flesh. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts earwigs and tachinid flies, is rabbit safe, tolerates light frost, is used to flavor perfumes and make alcohol, and is both edible and medicinal.
(Daucus carota 'Danvers')
Danvers Carrot is a heirloom, hardy, cool weather annual vegetable that is native to Massachusetts, where it was developed in Danvers and was first marketed by Burpee Seed Co. in 1886. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 12-18” and features a 7" long, nearly coreless orange carrot. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts earwigs and tachinid flies, is rabbit safe, tolerates light frost, is used to flavor perfumes and make alcohol, and is both edible and medicinal.
(Daucus carota 'Rainbow Blend')
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Rainbow Blend Carrot is a heirloom seed mix consisting of Cosmic Purple, Atomic Red, Lunar White, and Solar Yellow Carrots which are hardy, cool weather annual vegetables that are grown in the United States. These carrots can be grown in a container, attracts earwigs and tachinid flies, is rabbit safe, tolerates light frost, is used to flavor perfumes and make alcohol, and is both edible and medicinal.
(Daucus carota 'Scarlet Nantes')
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Scarlet Nantes Carrot is a heirloom, hardy, cool weather annual vegetable that is native to France, but are commonly grown across the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 16” and features a 7" long, bright red-orange, fine-grained fleshed carrot. These carrots can be grown in a container, attracts earwigs and tachinid flies, is rabbit safe, tolerates light frost, is used to flavor perfumes and make alcohol, and is both edible and medicinal.
(Daucus carota 'Tendersweet')
Tendersweet Carrot is a heirloom, hardy, cool weather annual vegetable that is native to Europe, but are commonly grown across the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 6-18” and features a 9-10" coreless, deep orange carrots. These carrots can be grown in a container, attracts earwigs and tachinid flies, is rabbit safe, tolerates light frost, is used to flavor perfumes and make alcohol, and is both edible and medicinal.
(Brassica oleracea 'Snowball Y Improved')
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Snowball Y Improved Cauliflower is a heirloom, semi hardy, cool weather annual vegetable that is native to California, where it was developed and introduced by Ferry-Morse Seed Company in Mountain View in 1947. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 12-18” and features 7” white heads with smooth curds. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts earwigs, is rabbit safe, tolerates light frost, and make alcohol, and is both edible and medicinal.
(Allium tuberosum ‘Garlic')
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Garlic Chive is a clump-forming annual herb that is native to Asia but can be found growing throughout the Midwest and along the southern and eastern coasts of the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches a height of 10-18" and features 12” tapering, soft textured, cylindrical leaves, leafless stems, and 2” violet-scented, star-shaped, white flowers that have brown striped tepals. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, butterflies, and ladybugs, repels aphids, carrot flies, Japanese beetles, and moles, is resistant to deer, tolerates drought and frost, is used to make fungicides and insecticides, is both edible and medicinal and self-sows!
(Allium schoenoprasum ‘Onion')
Onion Chive is a native clump-forming perennial herb that can be found growing throughout the northern United States. At maturity, this plant reaches a height of 20” and features 12” dark green grassy-like leaves and 16” stems that are topped with aromatic pale purple clover-like flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, butterflies, ladybugs, and pollinating moths, repels aphids, carrot flies, Japanese beetles, and moles, is resistant to deer, tolerates drought and frost, is used to make fungicides and insecticides, is both edible and medicinal and self-sows!
(Trifolium incarnatum ‘Crimson’)
Crimson Clover is an annual flower native to Europe but grows across the U.S. in nearly every state. At maturity, this plant reaches a height of 1-3' and features hairy rosette unbranched stems, 1/2-1” heart-shaped leaflets, and 1-2 1/2” cylindrical flower heads that bare ½ vibrant red florets. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees and butterflies, is drought and frost tolerant, and provides forage to livestock!
(Coriandrum sativum ‘Leisure')
Leisure Coriander is a warm-weather annual herb that is native to the western Mediterranean and southern Europe but can be found growing throughout meadows and fields in the coastline and border states of the U.S. At maturity, this plant reaches a height of 24-36” and features fern-like, finely-divided upper leaves, lobed lower leaves that resemble Italian Parsley, and 2” compound umbels that have white to pale lavender flower blooms. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, butterflies, hoverflies, lacewings, ladybugs, predatory wasps, and tachinid flies, repels aphids and spider mites, is horse and rabbit safe, is used to flavor perfume and soap, tolerates light frost, is used to make fungicides, and is both edible and medicinal!
(Zea mays 'Country Gentleman')
Country Gentleman Sweet Corn is a heirloom, tender, warm weather annual vegetable that is native to the Connecticut River Valley area and was first offered in 1890 by S. D. Woodruff & Sons. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 6-8' and features 7-8" ears with irregular white kernels. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts earwigs, is used to make cosmetics, fuel, glue, and paper, and is both edible and medicinal!
(Zea mays 'Golden Bantam')
Golden Bantam Sweet Corn is a heirloom, tender, warm weather annual vegetable that is native to Massachusetts, where it was developed in Greenfield by William Chambers and first offered by Burpee Seed Company in 1902. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 60-72” and features 7-8" ears with irregular white kernels. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts earwigs, is used to make cosmetics, fuel, glue, and paper, and is both edible and medicinal!
(Zea mays 'Shaman's Blue')
Shaman's Blue Popcorn is a hybrid, tender, warm weather annual vegetable that is native to Peru, but can be commonly found growing in gardens throughout the Untied States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 96” and features 7-9" ears with unique blue/purple kernels. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts earwigs, and is edible.
(Zea mays 'South American Yellow')
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South American Yellow Popcorn is a heirloom, tender, warm weather annual vegetable that is native to Peru, but was introduced into the Untied States in 1931. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 60” and features two to three, 9" ears with yellow kernels. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts earwigs, and is edible.
(Zea Mays 'Strawberry Red')
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Strawberry Red Popcorn is a heirloom, tender, warm weather annual vegetable that is native to Mexico, but is commonly grown in gardens throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 5-6' and features two or three, 2-3" ears with burgundy-red kernels. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts earwigs, and is edible.
(Cosmos sulphureus ‘Bright Lights’)
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Bright Lights Cosmos Mix is an annual warm-weather flower native to Mexico but can commonly be found growing in fallow fields and along roadsides and railroads throughout the southern United States. At maturity, this plant reaches a height of 1-3' and features narrowly divided, slightly hairy green foliage and 2-3” yellow, orange, or red semi-double flowers with scallop-edged petals and yellow centers. This plant attracts bees, birds, butterflies, ladybugs, pollinating moths, and predatory wasps, tolerates drought, self-sows, and is used as a cut flower!
(Cosmos bipinnatus ‘Candy Stripe’)
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Candy Stripe Cosmos is an annual warm-weather flower that is native to Mexico but can commonly be found growing throughout the southern and northeastern United States. At maturity, this plant reaches a height of 3-6' and features finely divided, feathery-green foliage and white petaled with pink edged flowers with yellow centers. This plant attracts bees, birds, butterflies, ladybugs, pollinating moths, and predatory wasps, tolerates drought, self-sows, and is used as a cut flower!
(Cosmos bipinnatus ‘Radiance’)
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Radiance Cosmos is an annual warm-weather flower native to Mexico but can commonly be found growing along roadsides and railroads throughout the southern and northeastern United States. At maturity, this plant reaches a height of 3-6' and features finely divided, feathery green foliage and 2-3” flowers with yellow centers and scallop-edged petals of medium pink that darken too bright pink or fuchsia at the center. This plant attracts bees, birds, butterflies, ladybugs, pollinating moths, and predatory wasps, tolerates drought, self-sows, and is used as a cut flower!
(Cucumis sativus 'Lemon')
Lemon Cucumber is a heirloom, tender, warm weather annual vegetable that is native to India, but was introduced into the United States by Samuel Wilson in 1894. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 3-4' and features 2-4” round, yellow cucumbers that bare black spines. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, butterflies, earwigs, pollinating moths, and predatory wasps, deters cucumber beetles, repels roaches, is rabbit safe, is used to make cosmetic cleansers, and is both edible and medicinal!
(Cucumis sativus 'Marketmore 76')
Marketmore 76' Cucumber is a heirloom, tender, warm weather annual vegetable that is native to New York, where it was developed in Ithaca by Henry Munger at Cornell University in 1976. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 4-6' and features 8-9” straight, dark green, slightly tapered, white spined cucumbers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, butterflies, earwigs, pollinating moths, and predatory wasps, deters cucumber beetles, repels roaches, is rabbit safe, is used to make cosmetic cleansers, and is both edible and medicinal!
(Melothria scabra 'Mexican Sour Gherkin')
Mexican Sour Gherkin Cucumber is a heirloom, tender, warm weather annual vegetable that is native to Mexico, Central America, and northern South America. But is commonly grown in gardens throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 12-48” and features 1" green and white watermelon shaped melons. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, earwigs, pollinating moths, and predatory wasps, is rabbit safe, and is edible!
(Cucumis sativus 'National Pickling')
National Pickling Cucumber is a heirloom, tender, warm weather annual vegetable that is native to Michigan, where it was developed by George Starr of the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station in 1924. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 36-48” and features 6” medium green, tender skin cucumbers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, butterflies, earwigs, pollinating moths, and predatory wasps, beetles, repels roaches, is rabbit safe, is used to make cosmetic cleansers, and is both edible and medicinal!
(Cucumis sativus 'Straight Eight')
Straight Eight Cucumber is a heirloom, tender, warm weather annual vegetable that is native to Massachusetts, where it was developed by Ferry-Morse Seed Company in 1935. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 6-12' and features 8” straight, dark green cucumbers with white spines. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, butterflies, earwigs, pollinating moths, and predatory wasps, beetles, repels roaches, is rabbit safe, is used to make cosmetic cleansers, and is both edible and medicinal!
(Cucumis sativus 'Sumter')
Sumter Cucumber is a heirloom, tender, warm weather annual vegetable that is native to South Carolina, where it was developed by W.C. Barnes of the Clemson Agricultural Experiment. Station and was first distributed by Asgrow Seed Company in 1973. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 12-48” and features blocky, slightly tapered, medium-green 5" cucumbers with white spines. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, butterflies, earwigs, pollinating moths, and predatory wasps, beetles, repels roaches, is rabbit safe, is used to make cosmetic cleansers, and is both edible and medicinal!
(Cucumis sativus 'White Wonder')
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White Wonder Cucumber is a heirloom, tender, warm weather annual vegetable that is native to New York and was first distributed by Burpee Seed Company in 1893. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 36-72” and features 6-7” albino white, white spined cucumbers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, butterflies, earwigs, pollinating moths, and predatory wasps, beetles, repels roaches, is rabbit safe, is used to make cosmetic cleansers, and is both edible and medicinal!
(Cucumis sativus 'Wisconsin SMR 58')
Wisconsin SMR 58' Cucumber is a heirloom, tender, warm weather annual vegetable that is native to Wisconsin, where it was developed by the University of Wisconsin in 1959. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 36-72” and features 4-6" dark green, black-spined cucumbers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, butterflies, earwigs, pollinating moths, and predatory wasps, beetles, repels roaches, is rabbit safe, is used to make cosmetic cleansers, and is both edible and medicinal!
(Anethum graveolens ‘Dukat')
Dukat Dill is an annual herb that is native to the Mediterranean and Asia but can be commonly found growing throughout the Midwest, northeastern, and west coast of the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches a height of 3-5' and features stiff hollow stems, sweet-scented, bluish-green, feathery foliage, and compound 10” umbrella-shaped umbels that are topped by yellow aromatic flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, butterflies, hoverflies, lacewings, ladybugs, predatory wasps, and tachinid flies, repels aphids, spider mites, and squash bugs, is rabbit safe, tolerates deer, its leaves are used as an insect repellent, tolerates drought and light frost, is used to flavor soaps, is used to make insecticides, is both edible and medicinal and self-sows!
(Foeniculum vulgare ‘Florence')
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Florence Fennel is a perennial herb that is native to the Mediterranean but can be commonly found growing throughout most of the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 3-5' and features a rounded, branching, celery-like stalk, yellowish-green, feathery foliage and umbrella shaped heads of tiny yellow flowers. This plant attracts bees, butterflies, damsel bugs, hoverflies, lacewings, ladybugs, and predatory wasps, tolerates deer, is used to flavor air fresheners, perfumes, soaps, and toothpaste, the leaves are used to repel insects, tolerates drought and light frost, is used to make dyes, is both edible and medicinal, and self sows!
(Tagetes erecta ‘Naughty Marietta’)
Naughty Marietta Marigold is a compact annual flower that is native to Mexico but can be commonly found growing on banks and slopes throughout the central and eastern United States. At maturity, this plant reaches a height of 6-12” and features divided green foliage and aromatic flower heads with yellow petals with mahogany streaks at their base. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and ladybugs, repels bean beetles, cabbage loopers, and nematodes, is both edible and medicinal, and can be used as a trap crop for aphids.
(Tagetes erecta ‘Sparky Mix’)
Sparky Marigold is a compact annual flower that is native to Mexico but can be commonly found growing on banks and slopes throughout the central and eastern United States. This plant grows up to 9-12 inches tall and has green foliage that is divided. Its orange and yellow flowers have wavy petals and emit a pleasant aroma. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and ladybugs, repels bean beetles, cabbage loopers, and nematodes, is both edible and medicinal, and can be used as a trap crop for aphids.
(Tagetes Erecta ‘Kilimanjaro White’)
Kilimanjaro White Marigold is an annual flower that is native to Mexico but can be commonly found growing throughout the central and eastern United States. At maturity, this plant reaches a height of 18” and features divided green foliage and 2-4” white/light yellow flower blooms. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and ladybugs, is resistant to deer, repels bean beetles, cabbage loopers, and nematodes, is both edible and medicinal, is used to make dye and insecticides, and can be used as a trap crop for aphids.
(Mentha Pulegium ‘European’)
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European Pennyroyal is a perennial herb that is native to Europe and Northern Africa but can be commonly found growing in gardens throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 6-12” and features hairy stems, mint scented, lance-shape, toothed leaves, and small lilac to pinkish-purple colored flowers. This plant attracts bees, butterflies, hoverflies, predatory wasps, and tachinid flies, makes essential oils, leaves are used as a rodent repellent, and is both edible and medicinal!
(Mentha spicata ‘Spear’)
Spearmint is a perennial herb that is a native from Europe and China but can be commonly found growing in wetlands and along streams throughout most of the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 24-36” and features erect, hairy stems, 3” aromatic, oval-shaped, sharply toothed pointed leaves and 4” tapering terminal spikes that bare pale purple or pink flowers. This plant can be grown in containers, attracts bees, butterflies, and damsel bugs, repels ants, aphids, cabbage loopers, flea beetles, mice, squash bugs, and white flies, is resistant to deer and rabbits, is used to make essential oils and potpourri, its leaves are used to repel rodents, is used to flavor toothpaste, is both edible and medicinal, and self sows!
(Tropaeolum minus ‘Empress of India’)
Empress of India Nasturtium is an introduced, cool-weather annual flower native to South America that grows in moist mountainous areas throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant can reach a height of 12” and features rounded light green leaves and 2 1/2” 5-petaled bright red aromatic flowers. This plant can be grown in containers or hanging baskets, attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, repels squash bugs, self-sows, is resistant to deer and rabbits, is used to make insecticides, has medicinal properties, and can be sued as a trap crop for aphids!
(Tropaeolum minus ‘Jewel Mix’)
Jewel Mix Nasturtium is an introduced, cool-weather, annual flower native to South America that grows in moist mountainous areas throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant can reach a height of 12” and features rounded light green leaves and 2 1/2” 5-petaled peach, pink, yellow, orange, and red aromatic flowers. This plant can be grown in containers or hanging baskets, attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, repels squash bugs, self-sows, is resistant to deer and rabbits, is used to make insecticides, has medicinal properties, and can be sued as a trap crop for aphids!
(Petroselinum crispum 'Italian Giant')
Italian Giant Parsley is a heirloom, hardy, cool weather biennial vegetable that is native to the Mediterranean region, but can be commonly found growing in gardens throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 18-16” and features flat, dark, glossy green leaves. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts hoverflies, predatory wasps, and tachinid flies, is rabbit safe, tolerates light frost, is used to flavor perfumes and repel insects, and is both edible and medicinal!
(Penstemon strictus ‘Rocky Mountain’)
Rocky Mountain Penstemon is a native perennial flower that grows throughout the southwestern United States. At maturity, this plant reaches a height of 3' and features large lance-shaped green leaves, tall stems, and bluish/purple tubular flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, hoverflies, and ladybugs, is resistant to deer, tolerates drought, and is used as a cut flower!
(Limnanthes douglasii ‘Poached Egg Plant’)
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Poached Egg Plant is a native annual flower that can be found growing throughout wet grassy areas of California and Oregon. At maturity, this plant reaches a height of 6” and features green fern-like foliage and aromatic 5-petaled white flowers that are yellow at their base. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, butterflies, and hoverflies, self-sows, and is great as a cut flower!
(Raphanus sativus 'Early Scarlet Globe')
Early Scarlet Globe Radish is a heirloom, hardy, cool weather biennial vegetable that is native to Southern Europe, but can be commonly found growing in gardens throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 9” and features 1" round red radish with crisp white flesh. This plant can be grown in a container, tolerates light frost, is rabbit safe, repels beetles and carrot fly, can be used as a trap crop for Japanese Beetles, and is both edible and medicinal!
(Raphanus sativus 'French Breakfast')
French Breakfast Radish is a heirloom, hardy, cool weather biennial vegetable that is native to Southern Europe, but was first offered by James J. H. Gregory of Marblehead, Massachusetts in 1875. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 3-7” and features 3" red oblong radish with white tips. This plant can be grown in a container, tolerates light frost, is rabbit safe, repels beetles and carrot fly, can be used as a trap crop for Japanese Beetles, and is both edible and medicinal!
(Raphanus sativus 'German Giant')
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German Giant Radish is an Amish heirloom, hardy, cool weather biennial vegetable that is native to Germany, but can be commonly found growing in gardens throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 3-6” and features 3-4" red skinned, round radishes with white flesh. This plant can be grown in a container, tolerates light frost, is rabbit safe, repels beetles and carrot fly, can be used as a trap crop for Japanese Beetles, and is both edible and medicinal!
(Raphanus sativus 'Watermelon')
Watermelon Radish is a heirloom, hardy, cool weather biennial vegetable that is native to Northern China, but can be commonly found growing in gardens throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 9” and features large globes that are greenish white on the outside and have a bright red/pink inside. This plant can be grown in a container, tolerates light frost, is rabbit safe, repels beetles and carrot fly, can be used as a trap crop for Japanese Beetles, and is both edible and medicinal!
(Raphanus sativus 'White Spear Sprouting')
(Salvia farinacea 'Blue')
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Blue Sage is a native clump-forming tender perennial of Texas and New Mexico but can be commonly found growing in gardens throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 2-3' and features erect branching stems, drooping, lance-shaped, greenish-gray, aromatic leaves, and two lipped, violet-blue flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees and hummingbirds, is resistant to deer and rabbits, tolerates drought, self sows, and is great as a cut flower!
(Salvia officinalis 'Broadleaf')
(Salvia sclarea 'Clary')
Clary Sage is a biennial or short-lived perennial herb that is native to Europe and central Asia but can be commonly found growing throughout the northern United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 3-4' and features multi-branched, hairy, square-like, thick stems, 8” aromatic, greenish-gray, broad leaves, and white-lilac two-lipped tubular flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees and butterflies, is resistant to deer, tolerates drought, is both edible and medicinal, and self sows!
(Salvia officinalis 'Kitchen')
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Kitchen Sage is a perennial sub-shrub herb that is native to the Mediterranean and northern Africa but can be commonly found growing throughout the coastal regions of the United States. At maturity this plant reaches the height of 24-36” and features a woody stem, 3” green wrinkled, aromatic leaves, and upright spikes that bare lavender two-lipped flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees and butterflies, is horse and rabbit safe, repels cabbage moths, carrot fly, and flea beetles, is rabbit and deer resistant, tolerates drought and light frost, is used to flavor perfumes, shampoos, and toothpastes, is used to make essential oils and mouthwash, the leaves can be used to repel insects and clean teeth, and it is both edible and medicinal!
(Salvia Pratensis 'Meadow')
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Meadow Sage is a clump-forming perennial herb that is native to Europe, northern Africa, and western Asia but can be commonly found growing throughout the northeastern and northwestern United States. At maturity this plant reaches the height of 36” and features upright racemes, 3” aromatic, grayish-green foliage, and clusters of two-lipped lavender-blue flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, is resistant to deer and rabbits, tolerates drought, is edible, self sows, and is great as a cut flower!
(Artemisia frigida 'Prairie')
Prairie Sage is a native clump-forming, woody perennial herb that can be commonly found growing in dry open areas of the Great Plains. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 9-18” and features erect woody stems, ½-1 ½ silky-haired, deeply-cut, silvery-white foliage, and nodding clusters of yellow flowers. This plant provides bird forage, is resistant to deer and rabbit, tolerates drought, the leaves are used to repel insects, it is used to make dyes, burning the leaves repels mosquitoes, self sows, and it is both edible and medicinal!
(Salvia coccinea 'Scarlet')
Scarlet Sage is a native perennial herb that can be commonly found growing in sandy areas of forests throughout the southern United States but is also grown as an annual in northern gardens. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 12-24” and features tall racemes, 2” oval shaped, toothed, green leaves, and tubular, two-lipped, scarlet red flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, provides bird forage, is resistant to deer and rabbit, tolerates drought, self sows, and is great as a cut flower!
(Achillea millefolium 'Rubra')
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Red Yarrow is a native mat-forming perennial that can be commonly found growing along roadways and in fields and lawns throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 1-2' and features erect stems, medium green fern-like foliage, and clusters of red flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, butterflies, hoverflies, ladybugs, and predatory wasps, is rabbit safe, repels beetles, and flies, the leaves are burned to repel mosquitoes, is used as a compost activator, tolerates drought, is used to make cosmetic cleansers, dye, essential oil, and liquid plant food, self sows, is both edible and medicinal, and is great as a cut flower!
(Achillea millefolium 'White')
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White Yarrow is a native mat-forming perennial that can be commonly found growing along roadways and in fields and lawns throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 12-18” and features erect stems, medium green fern-like foliage, and clusters of white flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, butterflies, hoverflies, ladybugs, and predatory wasps, is rabbit safe, repels beetles, and flies, the leaves are burned to repel mosquitoes, is used as a compost activator, tolerates drought, is used to make cosmetic cleansers, dye, essential oil, and liquid plant food, self sows, is both edible and medicinal, and is great as a cut flower!