KOHL RABI (KNOL KOHL)

Brassica oleracea Caulo-rapa



Kohl Rabi, or Knol Kohl, is comparatively little grown in this country,

because we can almost always command tender and tasty Turnips. On the

Continent it is otherwise. There Kohl Rabi may be seen in every market,

and on many a good table, where it proves a most acceptable vegetable.

For all ordinary purposes the green variety is better than the purple. A

small crop of this root should be annually grown in every garden. In

case of failure with Turnips, Kohl Rabi will take their place to tide

over an emergency. When. served it has the flavour of a Turnip with a

somewhat nutty tendency, and may be prepared for table in the same

manner.



Kohl Rabi is cultivated in much the same way as Turnips. Seed may be

sown at any time from March to August in rows one and a half to two feet

apart. As soon as possible thin the seedlings to three inches apart in

the rows, and, as the leaves develop, to six inches apart. By drawing

every other plant some small roots may be obtained early, and the

remainder will be left to mature at twelve inches in the rows. The

seedlings may be transplanted, if desired. Keep the ground clean and the

surface open, but care should be taken not to damage the leaves, or in

the least degree to earth up the roots. Any animal that can eat a Turnip

will prefer a Kohl Rabi, and when substituted for the Turnip in feeding

cows, it does not affect the flavour of the milk. The plant is hardy,

and as a rule may stand, to be drawn as wanted, until the spring is far

advanced, when the remnant should be cleared off for the benefit of the

animals on the home farm, or be dug in as manure.