Blog

When to Plant Kohlrabi in Henry 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.

Henry County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 9 and the first fall frost is November 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 253 days.

At an elevation of 195 feet, Henry County receives approximately 61.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 91ยฐF, 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.

Henry County, AL (Zone 8a) Long season
253 days
Last Spring Frost March 9
253 growing days
First Fall Frost November 17

Henry County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.7-6.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (169 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 27 Transplant: Mar 3 🍅 Harvest: Apr 21 – May 26
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (169 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 2 Transplant: Mar 9 🍅 Harvest: Apr 27 – Jun 1
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (169 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 23 Transplant: Mar 30 🍅 Harvest: May 18 – Jun 22

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 ~1,004 GDD — county provides 4,617 GDD Excellent fit

Kohlrabi Planting Timeline โ€” Henry County, AL

Kohlrabi Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 2 Feb 2 โ€“ Feb 16
Transplant Outdoors March 9 Mar 9 โ€“ Mar 23
Direct Sow February 23 Feb 23 โ€“ Mar 16
Fall Sowing September 8 Sep 8 โ€“ Sep 22
Harvest April 27 Apr 27 โ€“ Jun 1

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

253 days

Growing Tips for Henry 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 Henry County, AL?

Henry County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 9. Plan your Kohlrabi planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Henry County, AL?

Henry County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 9 and first fall frost is November 17.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Henry County gardeners in Zone 8a 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 Henry County, AL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.