When to Plant Kohlrabi in Jefferson Davis County, MS
Your May planting checklist for Jefferson Davis County, Mississippi
Your garden in Jefferson Davis County, Mississippi is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this May.
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Bring in the kohlrabi
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
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.
Jefferson Davis County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 8 and the first fall frost is November 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 256 days.
At an elevation of 126 feet, Jefferson Davis County receives approximately 59.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Kohlrabi during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Kohlrabi, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Kohlrabi root diseases.
Jefferson Davis County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.4
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 Jefferson Davis County
How your county's soil matches Kohlrabi's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.6–6.4) overlaps with Kohlrabi's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Jefferson Davis 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 Sep 15 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 10.
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 | — | 5.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 3" | 6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 5.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 6.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 3" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 5.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Jefferson Davis 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 — Jefferson Davis County, MS
Kohlrabi Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 1 | Feb 1 – Feb 15 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 8 | Mar 8 – Mar 22 |
| Direct Sow | February 22 | Feb 22 – Mar 15 |
| Harvest | April 26 | Apr 26 – May 31 |
| Fall Sowing | September 10 | Sep 10 – Sep 24 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 4" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| 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 8b
📆 Growing Season
256 days in Jefferson Davis County
Growing Tips for Kohlrabi in Jefferson Davis County
Direct sow Kohlrabi outdoors after March 08 in Jefferson Davis County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Jefferson Davis County's clay soil (31% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Kohlrabi. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
Your generous 256.0-day season in Jefferson Davis 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 Jefferson Davis County, MS?
Jefferson Davis County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 8. Plan your Kohlrabi planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Jefferson Davis County, MS?
Jefferson Davis County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 8 and first fall frost is November 19.
Your Jefferson Davis County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Jefferson Davis County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.