When to Plant Kohlrabi in USDA Zone 5a
Your June planting checklist for Zone 5a
Your garden in Zone 5a is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this June.
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Fire up the seed-starting tray: kohlrabi
A seed-starting mix and a sunny window (or a grow light) are all you need. Keep soil warm — around 70°F — for fast germination.
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Pick kohlrabi
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
Get ahead of July
- First harvests: kohlrabi
- Fall sowing: kohlrabi
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 5a, the average last spring frost is around April 25 and the first fall frost is around October 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 166 days.
Kohlrabi Planting Timeline — Zone 5a
Where Is USDA Zone 5a?
The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 5a. Click any state to see the Kohlrabi planting schedule for that location.
Kohlrabi Planting Calendar — Zone 5a
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 21 | Mar 21 – Apr 4 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 25 | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Direct Sow | April 11 | Apr 11 – May 2 |
| Harvest | June 13 | Jun 13 – Jul 18 |
| Fall Sowing | July 30 | Jul 30 – Aug 13 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 4" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Free Zone 5a Planting Calendar PDF
Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 5a with start dates, transplant windows, and harvest times.
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
-20°F to -15°F average annual minimum
Growing Season
166 days (Zone 5a average)
Planting Specifications
| Planting Depth | 0.5 inches |
| Plant Spacing | 4 inches apart |
| Row Spacing | 12 inches between rows |
Succession Planting Kohlrabi in Zone 5a
Sow every 5.1 weeks for continuous harvest throughout the season.
Growing Tips for Kohlrabi in Zone 5a
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
The Gardener's Encyclopedia to Companion Planting
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Saving Kohlrabi Seeds
Recommended for Your Garden
Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.
Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.
Keep your garden organized with durable, weather-resistant plant labels.
Related Plants
Kohlrabi in Other Zones
Kohlrabi by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Kohlrabi in Zone 5a?
In Zone 5a, plan your Kohlrabi planting around the average last frost date of April 25. Start seeds indoors around March 21. Direct sow outdoors around April 11. Transplant seedlings around April 25.
Can Kohlrabi grow in Zone 5a?
Yes, Kohlrabi can grow well in Zone 5a, hardy in USDA zones 2a through 11b. Zone 5a has a growing season of approximately 166 days, which is sufficient for Kohlrabi (45-65 days to maturity).
When can I harvest Kohlrabi in Zone 5a?
In Zone 5a, expect to harvest Kohlrabi from June 13 – July 18. Kohlrabi takes 45-65 days from planting to harvest.
What is the last frost date for Zone 5a?
The average last spring frost in Zone 5a is around April 25, and the first fall frost is around October 8. This gives a growing season of approximately 166 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.
Your Zone 5a Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner tailored to Zone 5a. Planting dates, monthly task lists, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — everything you need to plan a full season.