When to Plant Kohlrabi in Anderson County, KY
Your May game plan for Anderson County, Kentucky
Welcome to May in Zone 6b. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
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Start kohlrabi indoors
Bottom-water once the first true leaves appear — it keeps stems dry and knocks back damping-off.
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Start harvesting kohlrabi
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
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.
Anderson County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 8 and the first fall frost is October 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 204 days.
At an elevation of 2,767 feet, Anderson County receives approximately 52.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Kohlrabi during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Kohlrabi root diseases.
Anderson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.7
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 Anderson County
How your county's soil matches Kohlrabi's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–6.7) overlaps with Kohlrabi's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Anderson County is excellent for Kohlrabi — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.8%). 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 Aug 25 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 20.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 5.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3" | 3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Anderson 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 — Anderson County, KY
Kohlrabi Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 4 | Mar 4 – Mar 18 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 8 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Direct Sow | March 25 | Mar 25 – Apr 15 |
| Harvest | May 27 | May 27 – Jul 1 |
| Fall Sowing | August 20 | Aug 20 – Sep 3 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 4" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
204 days in Anderson County
Growing Tips for Kohlrabi in Anderson County
Direct sow Kohlrabi outdoors after April 08 in Anderson County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 204.0-day season in Anderson 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
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Kohlrabi in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Kohlrabi in Anderson County, KY?
Anderson County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 8. Plan your Kohlrabi planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Anderson County, KY?
Anderson County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 8 and first fall frost is October 29.
Your Anderson County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Anderson County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.