When to Plant Kohlrabi in Humboldt County, CA
This month in Humboldt County, California
Here's what deserves your attention in Humboldt County, California this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 9b and timed around your local frost dates.
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Collect kohlrabi at their peak
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
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.
Humboldt County, California is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 27 and the first fall frost is November 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 274 days.
At an elevation of 148 feet, Humboldt County receives approximately 22.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Kohlrabi during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Kohlrabi will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients.
Humboldt County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
6.2-6.8
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 Humboldt County
How your county's soil matches Kohlrabi's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–6.8) is within Kohlrabi's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Humboldt County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Kohlrabi will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.3%). Annual compost additions will help Kohlrabi.
How to Plant Kohlrabi
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Kohlrabi
Sow every 5.1 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 24 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 03.
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 | — | 4.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 3" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3" | 1.7" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3" | 0.5" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 3" | 0.1" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 3" | 0" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 3" | 0" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 3" | 0.3" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 3" | 0.8" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 3" | 1.9" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Nov in Humboldt 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 — Humboldt County, CA
Kohlrabi Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 30 | Jan 30 – Feb 13 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 27 | Feb 27 – Mar 13 |
| Direct Sow | February 6 | Feb 6 – Feb 27 |
| Harvest | April 17 | Apr 17 – May 22 |
| Fall Sowing | October 3 | Oct 3 – Oct 17 |
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 |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.7"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
45–65 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
274 days in Humboldt County
Growing Tips for Kohlrabi in Humboldt County
Direct sow Kohlrabi outdoors after February 27 in Humboldt County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Humboldt County dries quickly — mulch Kohlrabi with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
Your generous 275.0-day season in Humboldt 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 Humboldt County, CA?
Humboldt County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 27. Plan your Kohlrabi planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Humboldt County, CA?
Humboldt County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 27 and first fall frost is November 28.
Your Humboldt County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Humboldt County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.