When to Plant Kohlrabi in Orangeburg County, SC
What to do in May
Welcome to May in Zone 8b. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
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Harvest kohlrabi as they ripen
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
Coming up in June — start thinking about
- 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.
Orangeburg County, South Carolina is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 15 and the first fall frost is November 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 243 days.
At an elevation of 441 feet, Orangeburg County receives approximately 49.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 98°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.
Orangeburg County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
5.2-6
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 Orangeburg County
How your county's soil matches Kohlrabi's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.2–6.0) is more acidic than Kohlrabi prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Orangeburg County 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 low (1.9%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting 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 09 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 04.
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 | — | 4.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 3" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Orangeburg 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 — Orangeburg County, SC
Kohlrabi Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 8 | Feb 8 – Feb 22 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 15 | Mar 15 – Mar 29 |
| Direct Sow | March 1 | Mar 1 – Mar 22 |
| Harvest | May 3 | May 3 – Jun 7 |
| Fall Sowing | September 4 | Sep 4 – Sep 18 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 4" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| 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 8b
📆 Growing Season
243 days in Orangeburg County
Growing Tips for Kohlrabi in Orangeburg County
Direct sow Kohlrabi outdoors after March 15 in Orangeburg County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Orangeburg County 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 98°F in Orangeburg County, provide afternoon shade for Kohlrabi and water deeply in the morning.
Your generous 243.0-day season in Orangeburg 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 Orangeburg County, SC?
Orangeburg County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 15. Plan your Kohlrabi planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Orangeburg County, SC?
Orangeburg County, South Carolina is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 15 and first fall frost is November 13.
Your Orangeburg County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Orangeburg 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.