Best Time To Plant Kohlrabi In Georgia

Georgia’s early spring warmth allows for kohlrabi planting as soon as February in southern regions. Finding the best time to plant kohlrabi in georgia depends on your specific zone and the vegetable’s love for cool weather. Kohlrabi thrives when temperatures stay between 40°F and 75°F, making Georgia’s spring and fall seasons ideal for this crop.

You can get two full harvests each year if you time your planting correctly. The key is to avoid the intense summer heat, which causes kohlrabi to become woody and bitter. Let’s break down exactly when to sow seeds and set out transplants for the best results.

Understanding Georgia’s Growing Zones

Georgia spans USDA hardiness zones 6a in the north to 9a along the coast. This range means planting dates shift by several weeks depending on your location. Northern Georgia (zones 6-7) experiences colder winters and later springs. Southern Georgia (zones 8-9) enjoys milder winters and earlier springs.

Knowing your zone helps you pinpoint the best time to plant kohlrabi in georgia for your specific garden. Check your county’s zone online if you are unsure. This small step saves you from planting too early or too late.

Zone 6 And 7 Northern Georgia

In northern Georgia, spring arrives later than in the southern parts of the state. The last frost date typically falls between April 10 and April 20. Kohlrabi can tolerate light frost, but you should wait until the soil is workable.

For spring planting in these zones, start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost. Transplant seedlings outdoors around mid-March to early April. For fall planting, sow seeds directly in the garden from late July to mid-August.

Zone 8 Central Georgia

Central Georgia enjoys a longer growing season. The last frost date usually occurs between March 20 and March 30. You can plant kohlrabi earlier here than in the north.

Spring planting in zone 8 works best from mid-February to mid-March. Direct sow seeds or set out transplants as soon as the soil can be worked. For fall harvest, plant seeds from late August through early September.

Zone 9 Southern Georgia

Southern Georgia has the mildest winters and earliest springs. The last frost date is often in late February or early March. This region allows for the earliest kohlrabi planting.

Spring planting in zone 9 can begin as early as late January or February. Direct sow seeds or transplant seedlings from February through March. Fall planting should happen from September through October for a winter harvest.

The best time to plant kohlrabi in georgia is during two distinct windows: early spring and late summer to early fall. Spring planting takes advantage of cool, moist weather. Fall planting allows the crop to mature as temperatures cool down.

Avoid planting during the hot summer months of June, July, and August. Kohlrabi needs consistent temperatures below 75°F to develop tender bulbs. Heat stress causes the bulbs to become tough and develop a strong, unpleasant flavor.

Spring Planting Window

For most of Georgia, the spring planting window opens 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost. Kohlrabi seeds germinate best when soil temperatures are between 45°F and 85°F. The ideal soil temperature is around 60°F.

You can plant kohlrabi seeds directly in the garden as soon as the soil is dry enough to work. If the soil is too wet, seeds may rot. Use a soil thermometer to check conditions before planting.

Step-By-Step Spring Planting

Prepare the garden bed by loosening soil to 8-10 inches deep
Mix in 2-3 inches of compost or well-rotted manure
Sow seeds ¼ to ½ inch deep, spacing them 2 inches apart
Thin seedlings to 6-8 inches apart once they have 2-3 true leaves
Water thoroughly after planting and keep soil consistently moist
Apply a layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds

Fall Planting Window

Fall planting is often more reliable than spring planting in Georgia. The weather is cooler and more stable, reducing the risk of heat stress. Kohlrabi actually tastes sweeter when it matures in cool autumn temperatures.

For fall harvest, plant kohlrabi 6-8 weeks before the first expected frost. In northern Georgia, this means planting in late July or early August. In central Georgia, plant in late August or early September. In southern Georgia, you can plant as late as October.

Step-By-Step Fall Planting

Choose a location that receives full sun but partial afternoon shade
Amend soil with compost to improve drainage and fertility
Sow seeds directly in the garden at the same depth as spring planting
Water deeply after planting and maintain consistent moisture
Thin seedlings to 6-8 inches apart when they are 2-3 inches tall
Apply a light layer of straw mulch to keep soil cool

Soil Preparation For Kohlrabi

Kohlrabi grows best in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Test your soil pH before planting to ensure optimal conditions. You can adjust pH with lime (to raise it) or sulfur (to lower it).

Work the soil to a depth of 8-10 inches to remove rocks and clods. Kohlrabi develops a shallow root system, so loose soil is essential for bulb formation. Add 2-3 inches of organic matter like compost or aged manure to improve soil structure.

Incorporate a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) at a rate of 1 pound per 100 square feet before planting. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which promote leafy growth at the expense of bulb development. Side-dress with fertilizer 3-4 weeks after planting if growth seems slow.

Improving Clay Soil

Many Georgia gardens have heavy clay soil that drains poorly. Kohlrabi does not tolerate waterlogged conditions. To improve clay soil, add 3-4 inches of coarse sand or perlite along with organic matter.

Raised beds are an excellent solution for clay soil. They provide better drainage and warmer soil in spring. Build beds at least 6-8 inches high and fill with a mix of topsoil, compost, and sand.

Preparing Sandy Soil

Sandy soil drains quickly but lacks nutrients. Amend sandy soil with plenty of compost to increase water retention and fertility. Add 4-5 inches of organic matter and mix it thoroughly into the top 8 inches.

Water sandy soil more frequently, as it dries out faster than clay. Apply a thick layer of organic mulch to reduce evaporation and keep roots cool. Kohlrabi grown in sandy soil may need extra fertilizer during the growing season.

Planting Methods For Kohlrabi

You can start kohlrabi from seeds or transplants. Each method has advantages depending on your schedule and garden conditions. Direct seeding is simpler and avoids transplant shock. Transplants give you a head start on the growing season.

Direct Seeding

Direct seeding is the most common method for kohlrabi. Sow seeds directly in the garden bed at the appropriate time for your zone. Space seeds 2 inches apart in rows 12-18 inches apart.

Cover seeds with ¼ to ½ inch of fine soil and water gently. Seeds germinate in 5-10 days depending on soil temperature. Keep the soil consistently moist during germination to ensure even emergence.

Starting Seeds Indoors

Starting seeds indoors gives you a 4-6 week head start. Use seed-starting mix in small pots or trays. Plant seeds ¼ inch deep and keep the soil moist at 65-70°F.

Provide bright light once seedlings emerge. A sunny windowsill or grow lights work well. Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 5-7 days before transplanting.

Transplanting Seedlings

Transplant seedlings outdoors when they have 3-4 true leaves and are 4-6 weeks old. Space transplants 6-8 inches apart in rows 12-18 inches apart. Plant them at the same depth they were growing in their pots.

Water transplants immediately after planting to settle the soil. Provide shade for a few days if the weather is hot or sunny. Transplants may wilt initially but should recover within a week.

Caring For Kohlrabi Plants

Kohlrabi is a relatively low-maintenance crop, but consistent care ensures tender, flavorful bulbs. Water is the most critical factor. Inconsistent watering leads to tough, fibrous bulbs.

Provide 1-1.5 inches of water per week, either from rainfall or irrigation. Water deeply to encourage deep root growth. Avoid overhead watering late in the day to prevent fungal diseases.

Watering Schedule

Water every 2-3 days during dry spells
Increase watering during hot weather to keep soil cool
Reduce watering as bulbs mature to prevent cracking
Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses for best results

Fertilizing

Kohlrabi benefits from regular feeding during the growing season. Apply a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) 3-4 weeks after planting. Side-dress with fertilizer along the rows and water it in well.

If leaves appear pale or growth slows, apply a liquid fertilizer like fish emulsion. Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen, which causes excessive leaf growth and small bulbs. Follow package instructions for application rates.

Weeding And Mulching

Keep the garden bed free of weeds, which compete for water and nutrients. Hand-pull weeds carefully to avoid disturbing shallow kohlrabi roots. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch like straw or shredded leaves to suppress weeds.

Mulch also helps regulate soil temperature and retain moisture. In spring, mulch keeps soil cool. In fall, it insulates roots from temperature fluctuations. Refresh mulch as needed throughout the growing season.

Pest And Disease Management

Kohlrabi is susceptible to several pests common in Georgia gardens. Flea beetles, aphids, and cabbage worms are the most frequent problems. Early detection and prevention are key to managing these issues.

Use row covers to protect young plants from flea beetles and cabbage worms. Remove covers once plants are established and temperatures warm up. Inspect plants regularly for signs of pest activity.

Common Pests

Flea beetles: Small jumping insects that create tiny holes in leaves
Aphids: Soft-bodied insects that cluster on leaf undersides
Cabbage worms: Green caterpillars that chew large holes in leaves
Slugs and snails: Feed on leaves and bulbs, especially in wet weather

Organic Control Methods

For flea beetles, apply diatomaceous earth around plants. For aphids, spray with a strong stream of water or use insecticidal soap. For cabbage worms, hand-pick caterpillars or apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt).

Slugs and snails can be controlled with beer traps or copper tape. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings by planting flowers nearby. Rotate crops each year to reduce pest buildup in the soil.

Disease Prevention

Kohlrabi diseases include clubroot, downy mildew, and black rot. Prevent diseases by planting in well-drained soil and avoiding overhead watering. Space plants properly to ensure good air circulation.

Practice crop rotation by not planting kohlrabi or other brassicas in the same spot for 3-4 years. Remove and destroy any diseased plants immediately. Choose disease-resistant varieties when possible.

Harvesting Kohlrabi

Kohlrabi is ready to harvest when the bulb reaches 2-3 inches in diameter. Smaller bulbs are more tender and sweet. Larger bulbs become tough and woody. Harvest promptly for the best flavor and texture.

Use a sharp knife to cut the stem just below the bulb. Remove the leaves, leaving about an inch of stem attached. Leaves are edible and can be cooked like collard greens or kale.

When To Harvest

Spring-planted kohlrabi: Harvest 50-70 days after planting
Fall-planted kohlrabi: Harvest 60-80 days after planting
Harvest before temperatures exceed 80°F for extended periods
Check bulbs regularly once they reach golf ball size

Storing Kohlrabi

Fresh kohlrabi can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 weeks. Remove leaves before storing to prevent moisture loss. Place bulbs in a plastic bag or container with a damp paper towel.

For longer storage, kohlrabi can be kept in a root cellar or cool basement for up to 2 months. Store at 32-40°F with high humidity. Check regularly for signs of spoilage and remove any affected bulbs.

Varieties For Georgia Gardens

Choosing the right variety improves your chances of success. Some kohlrabi varieties are more heat-tolerant, while others mature faster. Consider your planting season and local conditions when selecting seeds.

Early Maturing Varieties

Early maturing varieties are ideal for spring planting when you want a quick harvest. They also work well for fall planting to beat the first frost. These varieties typically mature in 45-55 days.

Early White Vienna: Classic variety, tender white bulbs, 50-55 days
Early Purple Vienna: Purple-skinned, slightly sweeter, 55-60 days
Korridor: Fast-growing, uniform bulbs, 45-50 days

Heat-Tolerant Varieties

Heat-tolerant varieties perform better in Georgia’s warm spring and early fall conditions. They resist bolting and maintain tenderness even in higher temperatures. These are excellent choices for southern Georgia.

Kolibri: Purple variety, good heat tolerance, 50-55 days
Superschmelz: Large, white bulbs, slow to become woody, 60-70 days
Gigante: Huge bulbs up to 10 inches, very heat-tolerant, 70-80 days

Fall And Winter Varieties

For fall and winter harvests, choose varieties that store well and tolerate light frost. These varieties develop extra sweetness when exposed to cool temperatures. They are perfect for Georgia’s mild winters.

Azur Star: Blue-purple skin, excellent flavor, 60-65 days
Kossak: Large, white bulbs, good storage, 65-75 days
White Delicacy: Tender, sweet, cold-tolerant, 55-60 days

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Even experienced gardeners make mistakes with kohlrabi. Avoid these common pitfalls to ensure a successful harvest. Most problems stem from improper timing or care.

Planting Too Late In Spring

Planting kohlrabi too late in spring exposes it to summer heat. Bulbs become woody and bitter. Aim to plant early enough so that bulbs mature before temperatures consistently exceed 80°F.

In southern Georgia, this means planting by early March. In northern Georgia, plant by mid-April. Use a soil thermometer to check conditions rather than relying solely on the calendar.

Overcrowding Plants

Kohlrabi needs space to develop proper bulbs. Crowded plants produce small, misshapen bulbs. Thin seedlings to 6-8 inches apart without exception.

If you are transplanting, space plants at the recommended distance. Resist the temptation to plant more closely to maximize yield. Proper spacing leads to larger, more uniform bulbs.

Inconsistent Watering

Inconsistent watering causes kohlrabi bulbs to crack or become tough. Water deeply and regularly, especially during dry periods. Mulch helps maintain even soil moisture.

Check soil moisture by feeling the top inch of soil. If it feels dry, water immediately. During hot weather, you may need to water daily to keep the soil consistently moist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Plant Kohlrabi In Georgia During Summer?

Summer planting is not recommended because high temperatures cause kohlrabi to become woody and bitter. Stick to spring and fall planting windows for best results.

How Long Does Kohlrabi Take To Grow In Georgia?

Most kohlrabi varieties mature in 50-70 days from planting. Spring crops mature faster than fall crops due to warmer soil temperatures.

What Is The Best Month To Plant Kohlrabi In Georgia?

For spring, February through March works for southern Georgia, while March through April is best for northern Georgia. For fall, plant from August through September in most areas.