Developed in Germany, when kale plants with short, fleshy stems started to be selected, resulting in the Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes translated “stem turnip” or “cabbage turnip.” Kohlrabi was first recorded around 1554 in Italy when a botanist spoke of the veggie as “having come lately into Italy,” may be a cross between cabbage and broccoli. Before too long, it was in common use throughout Italy, France, and Germany from A.D. 800 to present. Purple Vienna is a bright, almost iridescent deep burgundy. 55 Days.