When to Plant Kohlrabi in Plaquemines Parish, LA
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It's harvest week for kohlrabi
The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.
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.
Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 6 and the first fall frost is December 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 304 days.
At an elevation of 386 feet, Plaquemines Parish receives approximately 50.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 99°F, so Kohlrabi may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. 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.
Plaquemines Parish Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
4.8-6
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 Plaquemines Parish
How your county's soil matches Kohlrabi's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.8–6.0) is more acidic than Kohlrabi prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Plaquemines Parish 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 (2.0%). 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 Oct 03 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 12.
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 | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 3" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 5.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 3" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | 3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Plaquemines Parish). 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 — Plaquemines Parish, LA
Kohlrabi Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 9 | Jan 9 – Jan 23 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 6 | Feb 6 – Feb 20 |
| Direct Sow | January 16 | Jan 16 – Feb 6 |
| Harvest | March 27 | Mar 27 – May 1 |
| Fall Sowing | October 12 | Oct 12 – Oct 26 |
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 | Harvest |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | — |
| 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 9b
📆 Growing Season
304 days in Plaquemines Parish
Growing Tips for Kohlrabi in Plaquemines Parish
Direct sow Kohlrabi outdoors after February 06 in Plaquemines Parish when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Plaquemines Parish dries quickly — mulch Kohlrabi with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 99°F in Plaquemines Parish, provide afternoon shade for Kohlrabi and water deeply in the morning.
Your generous 305.0-day season in Plaquemines Parish 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
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Kohlrabi in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Kohlrabi in Plaquemines Parish, LA?
Plaquemines Parish is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 6. Plan your Kohlrabi planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Plaquemines Parish, LA?
Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 6 and first fall frost is December 7.
Your Plaquemines Parish Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Plaquemines Parish (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.