When to plant kohlrabi in Lexington, Kentucky

March 16 – March 30

Transplant outdoors · typical Lexington year

Climate basis: NOAA station Lexington Bluegrass AP, KY (USW00093820), 6 mi (10 km) from downtown Lexington (ZCTA 40507 centroid), elevation 980 ft, on the 1991–2020 climate normals. Transplant kohlrabi outdoors from approximately the dates above, anchored to the median last spring 32°F freeze (April 13). One year in ten still freezes after May 1.

Last spring freezeApril 131-in-10 after May 1

First fall freezeOctober 281-in-10 before Oct 16

Frost-free season≈ 196 daysmedian at 32°F

Hard freeze, 28°Mar 31 – Nov 6kills even hardy greens

USDA zone7a0 to 5°F winter low — not frost timing

The Lexington year

Start seeds indoorsFeb 2 – Feb 16

Transplant outdoorsMar 16 – Mar 30

Fall plantingSep 2 – Sep 30

indoors under lights
in the garden
frost-free season
1-in-10 years still freeze to May 1

Kohlrabi in Lexington · freeze context from Lexington Bluegrass AP, KY, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Start seeds indoors

Feb 2 – Feb 16

Sow 4–6 weeks before the set-out window opens (UNH: time from seed to transplant 4–6 weeks). Anchored to the median last spring freeze (Apr 13). University of New Hampshire Extension

Transplant outdoors

Mar 16 – Mar 30

UNH: safe to set out 4 weeks before the last frost; Purdue's hardy class allows 4–6 weeks before. The later UNH start is used. Anchored to the median last spring freeze (Apr 13). University of New Hampshire Extension · Purdue University Extension

Fall planting

Sep 2 – Sep 30

Purdue Table 2: plant fall kohlrabi at least 4–8 weeks before the first fall frost. Anchored to the median first fall freeze (Oct 28). Purdue University Extension

These windows describe typical years (1991–2020 climate normals), not this year's forecast. Freezes happen outside them — especially in frost pockets, valleys, and urban edges. Watch the forecast before committing tender plants.

This week, not a typical year:

Crop rule sources (2)

University of New Hampshire Extension: Growing Vegetables: When to Plant Your Vegetable Garden [fact sheet] (accessed 2026-07-24)
Per-crop 'time from seed to transplant' and 'safe to set out in garden' relative to last frost.
Purdue University Extension: Indiana Vegetable Planting Calendar (HO-186-W) (accessed 2026-07-24)
Hardiness classes: hardy = plant 4-6 wk before last spring frost; semi-hardy = 2-4 wk before; tender = after average last frost; very tender = at least 2 wk after. Table 2: fall planting at least 4-8 wk before first fall frost.

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