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Can You Grow Kohlrabi in Illinois?

US · USDA Zone 5b · zones 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a

Grows well here

Kohlrabi thrives in your zone — it is one of the most productive cool-season crops for your climate.

Plant zones

3a–9b

Illinois last frost

early April

Illinois first frost

late October

Days to harvest

45–60 days

When to plant Kohlrabis in Illinois

Start indoors

Mar 10

Transplant

Apr 7

Harvest

May 22 – Jun 6

Dates are approximate, based on Illinois's average frost dates. Your exact yard may vary by microclimate.

About Kohlrabi

Kohlrabi looks alien but tastes like a mild, crisp broccoli stem. One of the fastest cool-season crops — ready in 6-8 weeks and handles light frosts like a champion.

Start indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost or direct sow. Thin to 6-8 inches. Harvest when bulbs are 2-3 inches diameter — bigger gets woody. Great for fall crops too.

Full kohlrabi growing guide →

Gardening in Illinois

Illinois has a humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. Chicago is Zone 5b-6a; southern Illinois is warmer at Zone 6-7. Classic Midwest growing region.