Lila Kohlrabi is a vibrant brassica microgreen distinguished by its vivid purple stems and fresh green leaves. It combines a pleasantly mild cabbage flavour with subtle sweetness and crisp texture, making it an attractive choice for growers looking for both visual contrast and broad culinary versatility.

Growing Purple Kohlrabi

Purple Kohlrabi is a relatively quick and reliable microgreen, but the right combination of light, temperature, and crop density is essential for developing its characteristic purple stems.

• The Colour Contrast: Strong light after germination is essential for developing the crop’s distinctive pigmentation. Moving seedlings into adequate light promptly helps transform pale young stems into the vibrant purple colour that gives this variety its visual appeal.
• The Cool Finish: Moderate to slightly cooler finishing conditions help maintain compact growth and sturdy stems. Excessive warmth can encourage stretching, reducing the strong contrast between purple stems and green foliage.
• The Brassica Airflow Rule: Like other densely grown brassica microgreens, Purple Kohlrabi benefits from consistent airflow. Avoid overcrowding and prolonged leaf wetness, particularly once the canopy begins to close.
• The Crunch Window: Harvest while the stems remain young and crisp. Leaving the crop for too long can produce larger leaves, but the stems gradually lose some of the tenderness that makes Kohlrabi microgreens particularly enjoyable to eat.

Culinary Uses of Purple Kohlrabi

Purple Kohlrabi offers a combination of colour, crunch, and mild brassica flavour that works across a wide range of dishes.

• Its purple stems provide instant contrast in salads, sandwiches, wraps, and microgreen mixes.
• The mild cabbage-like sweetness pairs particularly well with meat, roasted vegetables, cheese, and fresh salads.
• Its crisp texture makes it an excellent finishing ingredient for tacos and other dishes where both crunch and colour are desired.