A cool-season biennial crucifer, Brassica caulorapa and B. oleracea var. caulo-rapa, of northern European origin belonging to the plant order Capparales. Kohlrabi is grown for its turniplike enlarged stem, which is usually eaten as a cooked vegetable (see illus.). Kohlrabi is a German word meaning cabbage-turnip and reflects a similarity in taste and appearance to both vegetables. Cultural practices for kohlrabi are similar to those used for turnips. White Vienna and Purple Vienna are popular varieties (cultivars). Harvesting, when the enlarged stems are 2–3 in. (5–8 cm) in diameter, is usually 2 months after planting. A common cooked vegetable in Europe, especially Germany, kohlrabi is of minor importance in the United States.