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When to Plant Kohlrabi in Bartholomew County, IN

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.

Bartholomew County, Indiana is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 12 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 191 days.

At an elevation of 1,376 feet, Bartholomew County receives approximately 40.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89ยฐF, providing good warmth for Kohlrabi during the growing season.

Bartholomew County, IN (Zone 6a) Moderate season
191 days
Last Spring Frost April 12
191 growing days
First Fall Frost October 20

Bartholomew County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.2-7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (108 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 4 Transplant: Apr 8 🍅 Harvest: May 27 – Jul 1
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (107 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 8 Transplant: Apr 12 🍅 Harvest: May 31 – Jul 5
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (99 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 27 Transplant: May 1 🍅 Harvest: Jun 19 – Jul 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
0.9″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 179 gal / 100 sq ft
Kohlrabi needs ~921 GDD — county provides 3,199 GDD Excellent fit

Kohlrabi Planting Timeline โ€” Bartholomew County, IN

Kohlrabi Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 8 Mar 8 โ€“ Mar 22
Transplant Outdoors April 12 Apr 12 โ€“ Apr 26
Direct Sow March 29 Mar 29 โ€“ Apr 19
Fall Sowing August 11 Aug 11 โ€“ Aug 25
Harvest May 31 May 31 โ€“ Jul 5

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

191 days

Growing Tips for Bartholomew 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 Bartholomew County, IN?

Bartholomew County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 12. Plan your Kohlrabi planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Bartholomew County, IN?

Bartholomew County, Indiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 12 and first fall frost is October 20.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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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 Bartholomew County, IN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.