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When to Plant Kohlrabi in Lowndes 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.

Lowndes County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 15 and the first fall frost is November 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 243 days.

At an elevation of 392 feet, Lowndes County receives approximately 57.6 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.

Lowndes County, AL (Zone 8a) Long season
243 days
Last Spring Frost March 15
243 growing days
First Fall Frost November 13

Lowndes 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 (157 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 31 Transplant: Mar 7 🍅 Harvest: Apr 25 – May 30
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (159 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 8 Transplant: Mar 15 🍅 Harvest: May 3 – Jun 7
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (150 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 3 Transplant: Apr 7 🍅 Harvest: May 26 – Jun 30

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 Only during dry spells
Season total 10 gal / 100 sq ft
Kohlrabi needs ~1,169 GDD — county provides 5,163 GDD Excellent fit

Kohlrabi Planting Timeline โ€” Lowndes County, AL

Kohlrabi Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 8 Feb 8 โ€“ Feb 22
Transplant Outdoors March 15 Mar 15 โ€“ Mar 29
Direct Sow March 1 Mar 1 โ€“ Mar 22
Fall Sowing September 4 Sep 4 โ€“ Sep 18
Harvest May 3 May 3 โ€“ Jun 7

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February Start Indoors
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April โ€”
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

243 days

Growing Tips for Lowndes 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

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Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Kohlrabi in Lowndes County, AL?

Lowndes County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 15. Plan your Kohlrabi planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Lowndes County, AL?

Lowndes County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 15 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 Lowndes 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 Lowndes County, AL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.