When to Plant Kohlrabi in Beltrami County, MN
Beltrami County, Minnesota gardeners: here's your May plan
Each item below is timed to Beltrami County, Minnesota's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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Plant out kohlrabi
Your last frost (May 16) has passed. These warm-season crops can handle outdoor soil now.
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Put kohlrabi seeds straight in the ground
Sow every 2 weeks for a continuous harvest. A single big planting means a single big glut.
Looking ahead to June
- Starting indoors: 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.
Beltrami County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 16 and the first fall frost is September 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 135 days.
At an elevation of 1,023 feet, Beltrami County receives approximately 39.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 79°F, so choose short-season varieties of Kohlrabi to ensure they mature before fall.
Beltrami County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.9-7
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 Beltrami County
How your county's soil matches Kohlrabi's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.9–7.0) overlaps with Kohlrabi's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Beltrami County is excellent for Kohlrabi — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.4%) — Kohlrabi will thrive.
How to Plant Kohlrabi
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Kohlrabi
Sow every 5.1 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 25 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 06.
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 | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Beltrami 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 — Beltrami County, MN
Kohlrabi Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 4 | Apr 4 – Apr 18 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 16 | May 16 – May 30 |
| Direct Sow | May 9 | May 9 – May 30 |
| Harvest | July 4 | Jul 4 – Aug 8 |
| Fall Sowing | July 6 | Jul 6 – Jul 20 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 4" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| 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 3b
📆 Growing Season
135 days in Beltrami County
Growing Tips for Kohlrabi in Beltrami County
Direct sow Kohlrabi outdoors after May 16 in Beltrami County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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 Beltrami County, MN?
Beltrami County is in Zone 3b with an average last frost of May 16. Plan your Kohlrabi planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Beltrami County, MN?
Beltrami County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 16 and first fall frost is September 28.
Your Beltrami County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Beltrami County (Zone 3b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.