When to Plant Kohlrabi in Choctaw County, AL
Top priorities for Choctaw County, Alabama gardeners in May
Your garden in Choctaw County, Alabama is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this May.
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Start harvesting kohlrabi
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
Looking ahead to June
- First harvests: 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.
Choctaw County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 16 and the first fall frost is November 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 237 days.
At an elevation of 417 feet, Choctaw County receives approximately 54.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 98°F, so Kohlrabi may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Clay soil retains moisture well for Kohlrabi, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Kohlrabi root diseases.
Choctaw County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.4
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
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.
Soil Compatibility in Choctaw County
How your county's soil matches Kohlrabi's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–6.4) is more acidic than Kohlrabi prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Choctaw County is excellent for Kohlrabi — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). Annual compost additions will help Kohlrabi.
How to Plant Kohlrabi
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Kohlrabi
Sow every 5.1 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 04 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 30.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Kohlrabi
Kohlrabi needs approximately 0.7 inches of water per week (3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Kohlrabi Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 3" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 3" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Choctaw County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Kohlrabi Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Kohlrabi Planting Timeline — Choctaw County, AL
Kohlrabi Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 9 | Feb 9 – Feb 23 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 16 | Mar 16 – Mar 30 |
| Direct Sow | March 2 | Mar 2 – Mar 23 |
| Harvest | May 4 | May 4 – Jun 8 |
| Fall Sowing | August 30 | Aug 30 – Sep 13 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 4" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.7"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
45–65 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
237 days in Choctaw County
Growing Tips for Kohlrabi in Choctaw County
Direct sow Kohlrabi outdoors after March 16 in Choctaw County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Choctaw County's clay soil (28% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Kohlrabi. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
With summer highs reaching 98°F in Choctaw County, provide afternoon shade for Kohlrabi and water deeply in the morning.
Your generous 237.0-day season in Choctaw County allows multiple plantings of Kohlrabi. Sow every 22.0 days for continuous harvest.
Common pests for Kohlrabi in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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
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Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Kohlrabi in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Kohlrabi in Choctaw County, AL?
Choctaw County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 16. Plan your Kohlrabi planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Choctaw County, AL?
Choctaw County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 16 and first fall frost is November 8.
Your Choctaw County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Choctaw County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.