When to Plant Kohlrabi in USDA Zone 8b
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 8b, the average last spring frost is around February 25 and the first fall frost is around November 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 276 days.
Kohlrabi Planting Timeline — Zone 8b
Where Is USDA Zone 8b?
The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 8b. Click any state to see the Kohlrabi planting schedule for that location.
Kohlrabi Planting Calendar — Zone 8b
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 21 | Jan 21 – Feb 4 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 25 | Feb 25 – Mar 11 |
| Direct Sow | February 11 | Feb 11 – Mar 4 |
| Harvest | April 15 | Apr 15 – May 20 |
| Fall Sowing | September 19 | Sep 19 – Oct 3 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 4" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Free Zone 8b Planting Calendar PDF
Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 8b 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
15°F to 20°F average annual minimum
Growing Season
276 days (Zone 8b average)
Planting Specifications
| Planting Depth | 0.5 inches |
| Plant Spacing | 4 inches apart |
| Row Spacing | 12 inches between rows |
Succession Planting Kohlrabi in Zone 8b
Sow every 5.1 weeks for continuous harvest throughout the season.
Growing Tips for Kohlrabi in Zone 8b
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
Level Up Your Garden
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 8b?
In Zone 8b, plan your Kohlrabi planting around the average last frost date of February 25. Start seeds indoors around January 21. Direct sow outdoors around February 11. Transplant seedlings around February 25.
Can Kohlrabi grow in Zone 8b?
Yes, Kohlrabi can grow well in Zone 8b, hardy in USDA zones 2a through 11b. Zone 8b has a growing season of approximately 276 days, which is sufficient for Kohlrabi (45-65 days to maturity).
When can I harvest Kohlrabi in Zone 8b?
In Zone 8b, expect to harvest Kohlrabi from April 15 – May 20. Kohlrabi takes 45-65 days from planting to harvest.
What is the last frost date for Zone 8b?
The average last spring frost in Zone 8b is around February 25, and the first fall frost is around November 28. This gives a growing season of approximately 276 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.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — organize your planting dates for Zone 8b, track your crops, and plan your garden season from seed to harvest.
Get Your Free Garden Planner →Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.