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When to Plant Kohlrabi in Modoc County, CA

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.

Modoc County, California is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 31 and the first fall frost is September 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 113 days.

At an elevation of 2,205 feet, Modoc County receives approximately 28.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 83ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Kohlrabi to ensure they mature before fall.

Modoc County, CA (Zone 6a) Short season
113 days
Last Spring Frost May 31
113 growing days
First Fall Frost September 21

Modoc County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

5.9-7.4

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (36 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 14 Transplant: May 19 🍅 Harvest: Jul 7 – Aug 11
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (29 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 26 Transplant: May 31 🍅 Harvest: Jul 19 – Aug 23
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (35 days to spare)
Start indoors: May 15 Transplant: Jun 19 🍅 Harvest: Aug 7 – Sep 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
1.1″/week
You supply
0.3″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 299 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 8/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Kohlrabi needs ~674 GDD — county provides 1,384 GDD Excellent fit

Kohlrabi Planting Timeline โ€” Modoc County, CA

Kohlrabi Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 26 Apr 26 โ€“ May 10
Transplant Outdoors May 31 May 31 โ€“ Jun 14
Direct Sow May 17 May 17 โ€“ Jun 7
Fall Sowing July 13 Jul 13 โ€“ Jul 27
Harvest July 19 Jul 19 โ€“ Aug 23

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April Start Indoors
May Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
July Fall Sowing Harvest
August Harvest
September โ€”
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 6a

Growing Season

113 days

Growing Tips for Modoc 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 Modoc County, CA?

Modoc County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 31. Plan your Kohlrabi planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Modoc County, CA?

Modoc County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 31 and first fall frost is September 21.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Modoc County gardeners in Zone 6a 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 Modoc County, CA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.