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When to Plant Kohlrabi in Butler County, AL

Kohlrabi is an unusual brassica that forms a swollen stem above ground with a mild, sweet turnip-like flavor. Both the bulb and tender leaves are edible.

Butler County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 12 and the first fall frost is November 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 246 days.

At an elevation of 301 feet, Butler County receives approximately 58.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 95ยฐF, so Kohlrabi may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Clay soil retains moisture well for Kohlrabi, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Kohlrabi root diseases.

Butler County, AL (Zone 8a) Long season
246 days
Last Spring Frost March 12
246 growing days
First Fall Frost November 13

Butler County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.5-6.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (161 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 30 Transplant: Mar 6 🍅 Harvest: Apr 24 – May 29
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (162 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 5 Transplant: Mar 12 🍅 Harvest: Apr 30 – Jun 4
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (159 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 25 Transplant: Apr 1 🍅 Harvest: May 20 – Jun 24

Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
1.0″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Kohlrabi needs ~1,169 GDD — county provides 5,227 GDD Excellent fit

Kohlrabi Planting Timeline โ€” Butler County, AL

Kohlrabi Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 5 Feb 5 โ€“ Feb 19
Transplant Outdoors March 12 Mar 12 โ€“ Mar 26
Direct Sow February 26 Feb 26 โ€“ Mar 19
Fall Sowing September 4 Sep 4 โ€“ Sep 18
Harvest April 30 Apr 30 โ€“ Jun 4

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 4" apart ยท Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February Start Indoors Direct Sow
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Harvest
May Harvest
June Harvest
July โ€”
August โ€”
September Fall Sowing
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

45โ€“65 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7.5

USDA Zone

Zone 8a

Growing Season

246 days

Growing Tips for Butler County

Direct sow in spring or fall. Harvest when bulbs are 2-3 inches in diameter for best texture and flavor. Larger bulbs may become woody and fibrous.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Tomatoes
  • Strawberries

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Kohlrabi in Butler County, AL?

Butler County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 12. Plan your Kohlrabi planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Butler County, AL?

Butler County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 12 and first fall frost is November 13.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Butler County gardeners in Zone 8a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Butler County, AL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.