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🥬 Vegetable medium

Growing Kohlrabi in San Francisco

🇺🇸 Zone 9 Planting Guide · Warm-summer Mediterranean climate

USDA Zone 9 355 frost-free days 45-60 days to harvest

Quick Answer: Growing Kohlrabi in San Francisco

Yes, you can grow Kohlrabi in San Francisco, US! Plant during Oct, Nov for best results. San Francisco is in USDA Zone 9 with a Warm-summer Mediterranean climate, offering 355 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

Good Match San Francisco + Kohlrabi

San Francisco's temperatures (8°C to 22°C) are within the tolerable range for Kohlrabi (0°C to 24°C), though not always in the optimal zone (10°C to 20°C). Plant during recommended months for best results.

Kohlrabi tolerates 0°C to 24°C
Optimal: 10°C - 20°C
San Francisco range 8°C to 22°C

San Francisco Climate Data

USDA Zone
9
Frost-Free
355days
Winter Low
8°C
Summer High
22°C
Rainfall
600mm/yr
Climate
Csb
Warm-summer Mediterranean

Kohlrabi Planting Calendar for San Francisco

Green months show the best time to plant Kohlrabi in San Francisco

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 San Francisco

San Francisco, US is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9 with a Warm-summer Mediterranean climate (Köppen Csb). With winter lows of 8°C and summer highs of 22°C, the growing season spans approximately 355 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 San Francisco, the best months to plant Kohlrabi are October, November. 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 600mm of annual rainfall, San Francisco provides moderate natural moisture. You'll likely need to supplement with regular watering, especially during the growing season.

Other Plants That Grow in San Francisco

More plants you can grow alongside Kohlrabi in San Francisco

Keep Exploring

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I grow kohlrabi in San Francisco?

Yes! Kohlrabi can be successfully grown in San Francisco, US. San Francisco is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9 with a Warm-summer Mediterranean climate. The difficulty level for growing Kohlrabi here is rated "medium". The best months to plant are October, November.

When should I plant kohlrabi in San Francisco?

In San Francisco, the recommended planting months for Kohlrabi are October, November. San Francisco has 355 frost-free days per year, with winter lows of 8°C and summer highs of 22°C. Kohlrabi is frost tolerant, giving you more flexibility with planting dates.

How long does kohlrabi take to grow in San Francisco?

Kohlrabi typically takes 45-60 days from planting to harvest. In San Francisco's Warm-summer Mediterranean climate with 355 frost-free days, you have plenty of time 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 San Francisco?

Kohlrabi can potentially be grown indoors in San Francisco 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 Oct, Nov outdoor planting window. Use containers with good drainage and regular watering.

What month do I plant kohlrabi in San Francisco?

Plant Kohlrabi in San Francisco during October, November. These are the optimal months based on San Francisco's USDA Zone 9 climate, 355 frost-free days, and temperature range of 8°C to 22°C.

Is kohlrabi hard to grow in San Francisco?

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

What grows well with kohlrabi in San Francisco?

In San Francisco, 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 San Francisco's Zone 9 climate.

Does kohlrabi need full sun in San Francisco?

Kohlrabi requires full sun. In San Francisco, 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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