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Can You Grow Kohlrabi in Iowa?

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

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

Iowa last frost

mid-April

Iowa first frost

mid-October

Days to harvest

45–60 days

When to plant Kohlrabis in Iowa

Start indoors

Mar 18

Transplant

Apr 15

Harvest

May 30 – Jun 14

Dates are approximate, based on Iowa'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 Iowa

Iowa has a humid continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. Most of the state is Zone 5a-5b. Excellent for cool-season crops and hardy fruits.