Blog

When to Plant Kohlrabi in Etowah 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.

Etowah County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 31 and the first fall frost is October 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 214 days.

At an elevation of 98 feet, Etowah County receives approximately 52.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 92ยฐF, providing good warmth for Kohlrabi during the growing season. 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.

Etowah County, AL (Zone 7b) Long season
214 days
Last Spring Frost March 31
214 growing days
First Fall Frost October 31

Etowah County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.6-6.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (129 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 18 Transplant: Mar 25 🍅 Harvest: May 13 – Jun 17
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (130 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 24 Transplant: Mar 31 🍅 Harvest: May 19 – Jun 23
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (125 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 14 Transplant: Apr 18 🍅 Harvest: Jun 6 – Jul 11

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 ~1,045 GDD — county provides 4,066 GDD Excellent fit

Kohlrabi Planting Timeline โ€” Etowah County, AL

Kohlrabi Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 24 Feb 24 โ€“ Mar 10
Transplant Outdoors March 31 Mar 31 โ€“ Apr 14
Direct Sow March 17 Mar 17 โ€“ Apr 7
Fall Sowing August 22 Aug 22 โ€“ Sep 5
Harvest May 19 May 19 โ€“ Jun 23

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Harvest
June Harvest
July โ€”
August Fall Sowing
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 7b

Growing Season

214 days

Growing Tips for Etowah 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 Etowah County, AL?

Etowah County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 31. Plan your Kohlrabi planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Etowah County, AL?

Etowah County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 31 and first fall frost is October 31.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Etowah County gardeners in Zone 7b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

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