Florida Vegetable Planting Map

This guide provides information on when to start seeds inside, direct seed, and transplant starter plants in the different regions of Florida.

North USDA Planting Zones: 8b-9a
Central USDA Planting Zones: 9b & some of 10a
South USDA Planting Zones: 10a-11b

Visit the U.S. National Arboretum for an Exact USDA Planting Zone Map.

Getting Started

Start Seeds Inside:
Starting kohlrabi seeds indoors allows for controlled conditions and strong seedling development before transplanting outdoors. This helps you hit the cooler weather windows that kohlrabi prefers.

Direct Seed:
Direct seeding kohlrabi during the cooler months ensures plants can grow without the stress of high temperatures, which can negatively impact bulb development and flavor.

Transplant Starter Plants:
Transplanting kohlrabi starter plants from late fall through early spring helps them establish quickly and take advantage of the full cool-season growing period.

Kohlrabi is a reliable, compact crop that fits well into intensively planted beds. With the right timing and early care, it produces crisp, sweet bulbs and tender greens for a long harvest window.

Soil, Sun, Water, and Spacing

Soil:
Kohlrabi prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Work in compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and structure and to support steady bulb growth.

Sun:
Full sun is ideal for kohlrabi, but it can tolerate partial shade, especially in warmer climates. In Zone 9, a bit of afternoon shade can help reduce heat stress during warm spells.

Watering:
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Even moisture is especially important during bulb formation. Mulching helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

Spacing:
Plant kohlrabi seeds 3–5 inches apart in rows spaced about 24 inches apart. Thin seedlings to 4–6 inches apart so each plant has enough room for proper bulb development.

Harvesting and Additional Tips

Harvesting:
Kohlrabi is ready to harvest when the bulbous stem reaches about 2–3 inches in diameter (around the size of a tennis ball), typically 50–80 days after planting. The bulbs should be firm; larger bulbs are more likely to become woody and less flavorful.

How to Harvest:
Cut the bulb at the base with a clean knife. For best texture, harvest while bulbs are still young and tender. The greens are also edible—harvest a few outer leaves as the plant grows, but avoid stripping too many leaves at once so bulbs can size up properly.

Additional Tips:

• Build soil organic matter with compost to improve structure, drainage, and nutrient-holding capacity.
• Mulch to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and keep bulbs cool and evenly hydrated.
• Keep growth steady—stops and starts from drought or poor nutrition can cause woody or split bulbs.
• Thin seedlings early so bulbs have room to size up evenly (crowding increases stress and tough texture).
• Harvest on time—kohlrabi holds quality best when picked small to medium, before it becomes fibrous.

Fertilization, Care, and Common Problems

Fertilization (N–P–K Ratio):
Kohlrabi benefits from a balanced fertilizer with moderate nitrogen to support leafy growth and bulb formation, such as 10-10-10 or 14-14-14, combined with plenty of organic matter.

When to Add:
Before Planting: Mix a balanced fertilizer into the soil before sowing or transplanting.
Mid-Growing Season: Reapply every 4–6 weeks during the growing season to maintain steady growth.

Application Tips:

• Follow the directions on the fertilizer package to avoid over-fertilization.
• Apply fertilizer evenly around the base of plants, keeping it away from direct contact with stems.
• Water thoroughly after fertilizing to help nutrients move into the root zone.
• Keep growth steady—drought + sudden watering can lead to splitting or tough bulbs.

Pests and Diseases in Florida:

• Aphids: Sap-feeders that cause curling and yellowing.
• Cabbage Worms: Caterpillars that chew holes and can defoliate plants quickly.
• Flea Beetles: “Shot-hole” leaf damage, especially on young plants.
• Cutworms: Cut seedlings at the soil line.
• Downy Mildew: Yellowing + fuzzy growth on leaf undersides.
• Clubroot: Swollen roots and stunting (soil-borne).

Blog post on Natural Fertilizers

Natural Pest Control

Companion Plants and Plants to Avoid

Companion Plants:

Plants to Avoid Nearby: