When to Plant Kohlrabi in Sarasota County, FL
May in the garden — Sarasota County, Florida
May rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Sarasota County, Florida.
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.
Sarasota County, Florida is in USDA Zone 10a. The average last spring frost is February 3 and the first fall frost is December 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 322 days.
At an elevation of 67 feet, Sarasota County receives approximately 58.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 85°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. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Kohlrabi root diseases.
Sarasota County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
5-5.8
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 Sarasota County
How your county's soil matches Kohlrabi's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.0–5.8) is more acidic than Kohlrabi prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Sarasota County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Kohlrabi will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Kohlrabi.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.5%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting 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 Oct 18 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 27.
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 | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 3" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 3" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3" | 2.6" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 8.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 9.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 7.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 8.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 3" | 2.2" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | 3" | 2.1" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Sarasota 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 — Sarasota County, FL
Kohlrabi Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 6 | Jan 6 – Jan 20 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 3 | Feb 3 – Feb 17 |
| Direct Sow | January 13 | Jan 13 – Feb 3 |
| Harvest | March 24 | Mar 24 – Apr 28 |
| Fall Sowing | October 27 | Oct 27 – Nov 10 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 4" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| February | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Harvest |
| April | Harvest |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | Fall Sowing |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.7"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
45–65 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 10a
📆 Growing Season
322 days in Sarasota County
Growing Tips for Kohlrabi in Sarasota County
Direct sow Kohlrabi outdoors after February 03 in Sarasota County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Sarasota 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 323.0-day season in Sarasota 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 Sarasota County, FL?
Sarasota County is in Zone 10a with an average last frost of February 3. Plan your Kohlrabi planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Sarasota County, FL?
Sarasota County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 10a. The average last spring frost is February 3 and first fall frost is December 22.
Your Sarasota County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Sarasota County (Zone 10a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.