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When to Plant Kohlrabi in USDA Zone 3b

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.

In Zone 3b, the average last spring frost is around May 10 and the first fall frost is around September 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 135 days.

Zone 3b Short season
135 days
Last Spring Frost May 10
135 growing days
First Fall Frost September 22

Kohlrabi Planting Timeline — Zone 3b

Where Is USDA Zone 3b?

The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 3b. Click any state to see the Kohlrabi planting schedule for that location.

Prints a clean, ink-friendly version without maps or navigation.

Kohlrabi Planting Calendar — Zone 3b

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 29 Mar 29 – Apr 12
Transplant Outdoors May 10 May 10 – May 24
Direct Sow May 3 May 3 – May 24
Fall Sowing June 30 Jun 30 – Jul 14
Harvest June 28 Jun 28 – Aug 2

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April Start Indoors
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Fall Sowing Harvest
July Fall Sowing Harvest
August Harvest
September
October
November
December

Free Zone 3b Planting Calendar PDF

Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 3b with start dates, transplant windows, and harvest times.

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Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate — regular watering

Days to Maturity

45–65 days

Soil pH

6 – 7.5

Zone Temperature Range

-35°F to -30°F average annual minimum

Growing Season

135 days (Zone 3b average)

Planting Specifications

Planting Depth0.5 inches
Plant Spacing4 inches apart
Row Spacing12 inches between rows

Growing Tips for Zone 3b

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

Saving Kohlrabi Seeds

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Warm soil for faster germination of heat-loving crops like tomatoes and peppers.

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Floating Row Covers $12-30

Protect plants from frost, wind, and pests while letting light and water through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Kohlrabi in Zone 3b?

In Zone 3b, plan your Kohlrabi planting around the average last frost date of May 10. Start seeds indoors around March 29. Direct sow outdoors around May 3. Transplant seedlings around May 10.

Can Kohlrabi grow in Zone 3b?

Yes, Kohlrabi can grow well in Zone 3b, hardy in USDA zones 2a through 11b. Zone 3b has a growing season of approximately 135 days, which is sufficient for Kohlrabi (45-65 days to maturity).

When can I harvest Kohlrabi in Zone 3b?

In Zone 3b, expect to harvest Kohlrabi from June 28 – August 2. Kohlrabi takes 45-65 days from planting to harvest.

What is the last frost date for Zone 3b?

The average last spring frost in Zone 3b is around May 10, and the first fall frost is around September 22. This gives a growing season of approximately 135 days. These are 50% probability dates — actual frost dates vary year to year.

What should I plant next to Kohlrabi?

Good companion plants for Kohlrabi include Beets, Cucumber, Onion. These companions can help with pest control, pollination, and nutrient sharing.

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Get our free Garden Planner — organize your planting dates for Zone 3b, track your crops, and plan your garden season from seed to harvest.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals, University Cooperative Extension planting guides. Planting dates are estimates based on average frost dates — local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.