When to Plant Kohlrabi in Kings County, NY
Your May game plan for Kings County, New York
A quick May briefing for Kings County, New York gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
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Begin indoor sowing: kohlrabi
Label every cell. You will absolutely forget which is which otherwise.
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Collect kohlrabi at their peak
The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.
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.
Kings County, New York is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 29 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 228 days.
At an elevation of 505 feet, Kings County receives approximately 48.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Kohlrabi during the growing season.
Kings County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5-6.4
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 Kings County
How your county's soil matches Kohlrabi's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.0–6.4) is more acidic than Kohlrabi prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Kings County is excellent for Kohlrabi — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.6%). 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 08 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 03.
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 | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 3" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Kings 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 — Kings County, NY
Kohlrabi Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 22 | Feb 22 – Mar 8 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 29 | Mar 29 – Apr 12 |
| Direct Sow | March 15 | Mar 15 – Apr 5 |
| Harvest | May 17 | May 17 – Jun 21 |
| Fall Sowing | September 3 | Sep 3 – Sep 17 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 4" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| 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: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
228 days in Kings County
Growing Tips for Kohlrabi in Kings County
Direct sow Kohlrabi outdoors after March 29 in Kings County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 228.0-day season in Kings 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 Kings County, NY?
Kings County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 29. Plan your Kohlrabi planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Kings County, NY?
Kings County, New York is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 29 and first fall frost is November 12.
Your Kings County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Kings County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.