Texas gardeners can plant kohlrabi in both spring and fall, avoiding the peak summer heat for best results. Finding the best time to plant kohlrabi in texas is crucial for a successful harvest. This guide covers everything you need to know about timing, soil prep, and care.
Kohlrabi is a cool-season crop. It grows fast and tastes best when temperatures stay between 40°F and 75°F. In Texas, that means two planting windows: early spring and late summer for fall harvest.
Best Time To Plant Kohlrabi In Texas
The best time to plant kohlrabi in texas depends on your region. Texas spans USDA zones 6 through 9. Northern areas have colder winters and milder summers. Southern areas have hot summers and mild winters.
For most of Texas, aim for these planting dates:
- Spring planting: February 15 to March 15 in central and south Texas. In north Texas, wait until March 1 to April 1.
- Fall planting: August 15 to September 15 in north Texas. In central and south Texas, plant from September 1 to October 15.
Kohlrabi needs about 50 to 70 days to mature. Count backward from your first expected frost date for fall planting. Count forward from your last expected frost date for spring planting.
Spring Planting Window
Spring planting works well in most of Texas. The soil should be workable and not too wet. Kohlrabi seeds germinate best when soil temperatures are between 50°F and 75°F.
In south Texas, you can start seeds indoors in January. Transplant them outside in February. In north Texas, wait until March. The key is to harvest before temperatures regularly hit 80°F.
If you plant too late in spring, kohlrabi becomes woody and bitter. It will bolt (go to seed) quickly in hot weather. So timing matters a lot.
Fall Planting Window
Fall planting often gives better results in Texas. The weather cools down as the plants mature. This produces sweeter, more tender bulbs.
For fall planting, start seeds indoors in July or August. Transplant them in August or September. Or direct sow seeds in the garden in late summer.
Kohlrabi can handle light frosts. In fact, a light frost improves flavor. So don’t worry if temperatures dip below freezing after planting.
Regional Planting Guides For Texas
Texas is big. What works in Amarillo won’t work in Brownsville. Here are specific guides for each region.
North Texas (Zones 6-7)
North Texas includes Dallas, Fort Worth, and Amarillo. Winters are cold. Summers are hot but shorter than in the south.
- Spring planting: March 15 to April 15. Direct sow seeds 1/4 inch deep.
- Fall planting: August 1 to September 1. Start seeds indoors in July.
Soil in north Texas is often clay-heavy. Add compost to improve drainage. Kohlrabi does not like wet feet.
Central Texas (Zone 8)
Central Texas includes Austin, San Antonio, and Waco. Winters are mild. Summers are long and hot.
- Spring planting: February 15 to March 15. Use transplants for a head start.
- Fall planting: September 1 to October 1. Direct sow seeds in late August.
Central Texas soil varies from limestone to black clay. Test your soil pH. Kohlrabi prefers pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
South Texas (Zone 9)
South Texas includes Houston, Corpus Christi, and Brownsville. Winters are very mild. Summers are extremely hot and humid.
- Spring planting: January 15 to February 15. Use transplants to beat the heat.
- Fall planting: September 15 to November 1. Direct sow seeds in early October.
In south Texas, you can also plant a winter crop. Kohlrabi grows well from November through February. Just protect it from rare hard freezes.
How To Plant Kohlrabi In Texas Soil
Good soil prep makes a big difference. Kohlrabi grows best in loose, well-drained soil rich in organic matter.
Soil Preparation Steps
- Clear the area of weeds and rocks.
- Loosen the soil to a depth of 8 to 10 inches.
- Mix in 2 to 3 inches of compost or aged manure.
- Add a balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10 at a rate of 1 pound per 100 square feet.
- Rake the soil smooth.
If your soil is heavy clay, consider raised beds. They warm up faster in spring and drain better in fall.
Planting Seeds And Transplants
You can start kohlrabi from seeds or buy transplants. Seeds are cheaper and give you more variety choices.
Direct sowing seeds:
- Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep.
- Space seeds 2 inches apart in rows 12 to 18 inches apart.
- Water gently after planting.
- Thin seedlings to 4 to 6 inches apart when they have 2 true leaves.
Using transplants:
- Buy healthy transplants from a nursery.
- Plant them at the same depth they were in the pot.
- Space transplants 4 to 6 inches apart.
- Water well after transplanting.
Transplants give you a 2 to 3 week head start. This is helpful for spring planting when you want to beat the heat.
Caring For Kohlrabi In Texas
Kohlrabi is easy to care for. But Texas weather can be challenging. Here’s how to keep your plants happy.
Watering
Kohlrabi needs consistent moisture. Inconsistent watering causes tough bulbs and poor flavor.
- Water deeply 1 to 2 times per week.
- Provide about 1 inch of water per week.
- Mulch around plants to retain moisture and keep soil cool.
- In hot Texas summers, water more frequently.
Drip irrigation works best. It keeps water off the leaves, reducing disease risk.
Fertilizing
Kohlrabi is a heavy feeder. It needs plenty of nitrogen for leaf growth and bulb development.
- Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting time.
- Side-dress with nitrogen fertilizer 3 to 4 weeks after planting.
- Use a liquid fertilizer like fish emulsion every 2 weeks.
Too much nitrogen can cause lush leaves but small bulbs. Follow package directions.
Pest And Disease Control
Texas gardens have many pests. Kohlrabi is susceptible to cabbage worms, aphids, and flea beetles.
Common pests:
- Cabbage worms: Hand pick or use Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis).
- Aphids: Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
- Flea beetles: Use row covers to protect young plants.
Diseases:
- Club root: Avoid planting in soil where brassicas grew recently.
- Downy mildew: Provide good air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
Rotate crops each year. Don’t plant kohlrabi in the same spot where other brassicas (cabbage, broccoli, kale) grew the previous year.
Harvesting Kohlrabi At The Right Time
Harvesting at the right time ensures the best flavor and texture. Kohlrabi grows quickly. Check it often.
When To Harvest
Harvest kohlrabi when the bulb is 2 to 3 inches in diameter. This is usually 50 to 70 days after planting.
- Smaller bulbs are more tender and sweet.
- Larger bulbs become woody and tough.
- Don’t wait too long. Overmature kohlrabi is not good to eat.
In Texas, harvest spring-planted kohlrabi before temperatures exceed 80°F. Harvest fall-planted kohlrabi before a hard freeze.
How To Harvest
- Use a sharp knife to cut the stem just below the bulb.
- Cut off the leaves, leaving about 1 inch of stem attached.
- Wash the bulbs thoroughly.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
The leaves are also edible. Use them like kale or collard greens. They are nutritious and tasty.
Common Mistakes Texas Gardeners Make
Even experienced gardeners make mistakes. Here are common ones to avoid.
- Planting too late in spring: Kohlrabi bolts quickly in heat. Plant early.
- Planting too early in fall: Hot soil prevents germination. Wait for cooler weather.
- Overcrowding: Thin seedlings to 4 to 6 inches apart. Crowded plants produce small bulbs.
- Inconsistent watering: This causes cracking and woody texture.
- Ignoring pests: Check plants weekly for signs of damage.
Another mistake is not hardening off transplants. If you start seeds indoors, gradually expose them to outdoor conditions over 7 to 10 days before planting.
Varieties That Grow Best In Texas
Some kohlrabi varieties handle Texas heat better than others. Choose varieties suited to your region.
- Early White Vienna: Fast-maturing (50 days). Good for spring planting.
- Purple Vienna: Slightly slower (60 days). More heat-tolerant.
- Kolibri: Purple variety. Resistant to bolting.
- Kossak: Large bulbs. Good for fall planting.
- Grand Duke: Hybrid variety. Very heat-tolerant.
For Texas, I recommend Grand Duke and Kolibri. They handle heat stress better than other varieties.
Extending The Growing Season
You can extend your kohlrabi harvest by using season-extension techniques.
Using Row Covers
Row covers protect plants from cold and pests. They also warm the soil in spring.
- Use floating row covers in early spring to protect from frost.
- Remove covers when temperatures exceed 80°F.
- Use shade cloth in late summer to cool the soil for fall planting.
Succession Planting
Plant small batches every 2 weeks. This gives you a continuous harvest.
- For spring: Plant seeds every 2 weeks from February to April.
- For fall: Plant seeds every 2 weeks from August to October.
Succession planting works best in central and south Texas where the growing season is longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to plant kohlrabi in Texas for beginners?
Fall is easier for beginners. The weather is more predictable, and pests are fewer. Plant in September for central Texas.
Can I plant kohlrabi in Texas summer?
No. Summer heat above 80°F causes kohlrabi to bolt and become bitter. Stick to spring and fall planting.
How long does kohlrabi take to grow in Texas?
Most varieties take 50 to 70 days from seed to harvest. Transplants save about 2 weeks.
Do I need to fertilize kohlrabi in Texas soil?
Yes. Texas soil often lacks organic matter. Add compost and a balanced fertilizer for best results.
What should I plant after kohlrabi in Texas?
After spring kohlrabi, plant warm-season crops like tomatoes, peppers, or okra. After fall kohlrabi, plant a winter cover crop like clover or winter rye.
Final Tips For Success
Kohlrabi is one of the easiest brassicas to grow in Texas. It grows fast and takes up little space.
Remember these key points:
- Plant in spring or fall, not summer.
- Keep soil consistently moist.
- Harvest when bulbs are 2 to 3 inches wide.
- Watch for pests and treat early.
With the right timing and care, you’ll enjoy fresh, homegrown kohlrabi from your Texas garden. It’s great raw in salads, roasted, or stir-fried. Give it a try this season.
One more thing: kohlrabi is a cool-season crop that actualy prefers temperatures between 60°F and 70°F. If you can provide some shade during the hottest part of the day, your plants will thank you. Use shade cloth or plant near taller crops like corn or sunflowers.
Texas gardeners have a long growing season. Take advantage of it by planting kohlrabi in both spring and fall. You’ll get two harvests per year with minimal effort.
Start planning your planting dates now. Mark your calendar for the right window in your region. Your future self will thank you when you’re eating crisp, sweet kohlrabi straight from the garden.