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When to plant Kohlrabi in Pope County, IL

Plant Kohlrabi in Pope County after April 7; the prime window is March 24–April 14. A second sowing from August 12 to August 26 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Kohlrabi in Pope County, IL

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.

Pope County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 7 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 197 days.

At an elevation of 1,120 feet, Pope County receives approximately 39.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Kohlrabi during the growing season.

Pope County, IL (Zone 7a) Moderate season
197 days
Last Spring Frost April 7
197 growing days
First Fall Frost October 21

Pope County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.2-7.1

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Kohlrabi

Kohlrabi needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Kohlrabi Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 5.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Pope County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Kohlrabi Planting Timeline — Pope County, IL

Kohlrabi Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 3 Mar 3 – Mar 17
Transplant Outdoors April 7 Apr 7 – Apr 21
Direct Sow March 24 Mar 24 – Apr 14
Harvest May 26 May 26 – Jun 30
Fall Sowing August 12 Aug 12 – Aug 26

Plant 0.5" deep · 4" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Harvest
June Harvest
July
August Fall Sowing
September
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

45–65 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 7a

📆 Growing Season

197 days in Pope County

Growing Tips for Pope County

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

  • Tomatoes
  • Strawberries

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Kohlrabi in Pope County, IL?

Pope County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 7. Plan your Kohlrabi planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Pope County, IL?

Pope County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 7 and first fall frost is October 21.

When should I plant Kohlrabi in Pope County, IL?

In Pope County, IL, plant Kohlrabi after the last frost (around April 7) and before the first frost (around October 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Pope County, IL for Kohlrabi?

Pope County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Kohlrabi grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Kohlrabi grow in Pope County's climate?

Yes — Kohlrabi grows well in Pope County's temperate climate. Pope County averages a 197-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 7 and first frost around October 21.

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Your Pope County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Pope County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Pope County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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