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🥬 Vegetable medium

Growing Kohlrabi in Ottawa

🇨🇦 Zone 1 Planting Guide · Warm-summer humid continental climate

USDA Zone 1 165 frost-free days 45-60 days to harvest

Quick Answer: Growing Kohlrabi in Ottawa

Yes, you can grow Kohlrabi in Ottawa, CA! Plant during Mar, Apr, May, Jul, Aug for best results. Ottawa is in USDA Zone 1 with a Warm-summer humid continental climate, offering 165 frost-free days per year. The difficulty level is medium, and Kohlrabi takes 45-60 days to harvest. Kohlrabi needs full sun and regular watering.

Climate Match Analysis

Moderate Match Ottawa + Kohlrabi

Ottawa's climate requires careful timing. Winter lows (-15°C) drop below Kohlrabi's minimum (0°C), so avoid cold months. Summer highs (27°C) exceed Kohlrabi's maximum (24°C), so plant early or provide shade. Follow the recommended planting months for success.

Kohlrabi tolerates 0°C to 24°C
Optimal: 10°C - 20°C
Ottawa range -15°C to 27°C

Ottawa Climate Data

USDA Zone
1
Frost-Free
165days
Winter Low
-15°C
Summer High
27°C
Rainfall
920mm/yr
Climate
Dfb
Warm-summer humid continental

Kohlrabi Planting Calendar for Ottawa

Green months show the best time to plant Kohlrabi in Ottawa

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Plant Kohlrabi Not recommended

Kohlrabi Growing Requirements

☀️

Sunlight

Full Sun

6+ hours direct sunlight

💧

Water

Regular

Consistent moisture, 1-2 inches/week

📅

Days to Harvest

45-60

From planting to first harvest

📊

Difficulty

medium

Some experience helpful

💡 Growing Tips for Kohlrabi

Harvest when tennis-ball sized. Larger ones become woody. Can be planted 2-3 weeks before the last expected frost, giving it a head start on the growing season. Aim for about 2.5 cm of water per week, adjusting for rainfall. Organic mulch around the base helps maintain even moisture.

Frost tolerance: Kohlrabi is frost tolerant — you can plant earlier in spring.

How to Grow Kohlrabi in Ottawa

Ottawa, CA is in USDA Hardiness Zone 1 with a Warm-summer humid continental climate (Köppen Dfb). With winter lows of -15°C and summer highs of 27°C, the growing season spans approximately 165 frost-free days. Kohlrabi grows well with some gardening knowledge in this climate.

Kohlrabi thrives in temperatures between 10°C and 20°C, requiring full sun and regular watering. In Ottawa, the best months to plant Kohlrabi are March, April, May, July, August. Since Kohlrabi can tolerate frost, you have flexibility to plant earlier in the season or extend into cooler months. Expect to harvest in approximately 45-60 days after planting.

With 920mm of annual rainfall, Ottawa provides moderate natural moisture. You'll likely need to supplement with regular watering, especially during the growing season.

Other Plants That Grow in Ottawa

More plants you can grow alongside Kohlrabi in Ottawa

Keep Exploring

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I grow kohlrabi in Ottawa?

Yes! Kohlrabi can be successfully grown in Ottawa, CA. Ottawa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 1 with a Warm-summer humid continental climate. The difficulty level for growing Kohlrabi here is rated "medium". The best months to plant are March, April, May, July, August.

When should I plant kohlrabi in Ottawa?

In Ottawa, the recommended planting months for Kohlrabi are March, April, May, July, August. Ottawa has 165 frost-free days per year, with winter lows of -15°C and summer highs of 27°C. Kohlrabi is frost tolerant, giving you more flexibility with planting dates.

How long does kohlrabi take to grow in Ottawa?

Kohlrabi typically takes 45-60 days from planting to harvest. In Ottawa's Warm-summer humid continental climate with 165 frost-free days, you have enough time with good planning to grow Kohlrabi to maturity. Harvest when tennis-ball sized. Larger ones become woody. Can be planted 2-3 weeks before the last expected frost, giving it a head start on the growing season. Aim for about 2.5 cm of water per week, adjusting for rainfall. Organic mulch around the base helps maintain even moisture.

Can I grow kohlrabi indoors in Ottawa?

Kohlrabi can potentially be grown indoors in Ottawa with proper conditions. It requires full sun (6+ hours of direct light — a south-facing window or grow lights recommended). Indoor growing extends your season beyond the Mar, Apr, May, Jul, Aug outdoor planting window. Use containers with good drainage and regular watering.

What month do I plant kohlrabi in Ottawa?

Plant Kohlrabi in Ottawa during March, April, May, July, August. These are the optimal months based on Ottawa's USDA Zone 1 climate, 165 frost-free days, and temperature range of -15°C to 27°C.

Is kohlrabi hard to grow in Ottawa?

Kohlrabi is rated "medium" to grow in Ottawa. Some gardening experience is helpful. Pay attention to watering schedules and planting timing. The climate match for Kohlrabi in Ottawa is Moderate.

What grows well with kohlrabi in Ottawa?

In Ottawa, you can grow many companion plants alongside Kohlrabi. Good options from the same planting window include Tomato, Basil, Lettuce, Carrot and 2 more. These plants share similar planting months and thrive in Ottawa's Zone 1 climate.

Does kohlrabi need full sun in Ottawa?

Kohlrabi requires full sun. In Ottawa, provide at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Most garden locations with southern exposure will work well.

Last updated: March 2026 · Climate data from NOAA, FAO, USDA

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