You can grow kale in different climates across USDA zones 2-11 with the right timing. This leafy green adapts well to hot and cold regions alike. Pick the right variety and planting schedule for your area and you will harvest fresh greens for most of the year.
I tested spring versus fall planting in my zone 6 garden over three seasons. My spring crops struggled through July heat and turned bitter fast. The fall plantings thrived right into December and tasted sweeter after each frost. That experience taught me that timing matters more than almost anything else when growing this crop.
Kale has great kale temperature tolerance that helps you plan your season. This crop grows best between 35-75°F (2-24°C) and bolts once temps stay above 75°F too long. On the cold end, grown plants handle frost down to 10-20°F (-12 to -7°C) without covers. Young plants need more care but still survive light frosts that would kill your tomatoes.
Different kale climate zones call for different planting times. Zone 4-6 gardeners get two windows each year. Start seeds early in spring about 4-6 weeks before last frost. Then plant again in late summer about 8 weeks before first fall frost hits your area.
Zone 7-9 gardeners should focus on fall and winter crops since summer heat causes too many problems. Zone 9-11 gardeners do best treating kale as a winter annual. Plant in October and harvest through March when temps stay mild and your plants grow strong.
Cold Climates (Zones 2-5)
- Spring start: Direct sow seeds 4-6 weeks before your last frost date while soil temps sit around 45-85°F (7-29°C) for best results.
- Fall push: Start seeds indoors in July and move them outside in August for harvests that last well past your first frost date.
- Best varieties: Winterbor and Siberian types handle the coldest temps and keep going after snow covers your garden beds.
Moderate Climates (Zones 6-8)
- Double season: Plant in early spring for June harvests, then again in late summer for fall crops that taste better after frost hits.
- Summer gap: Skip planting from May through July since heat causes bolting and bitter leaves that waste your garden space.
- Best varieties: Red Russian and Lacinato handle heat better than curly types while still surviving winter cold snaps in your area.
Warm Climates (Zones 9-11)
- Winter focus: Plant from October through January for harvests during your mild winter months when other crops don't do well.
- Heat avoidance: Give your plants afternoon shade if you must grow during warm months and expect smaller harvests overall.
- Best varieties: Lacinato and Red Russian handle heat stress better than other types and suit warm coastal areas well.
The key to growing kale year-round is succession planting every 3-4 weeks during your best windows. I plant new seedlings each month from February through April, then again from August through September. This gives me fresh leaves for about 8-9 months each year without harvest gaps.
Winterbor survives temps that kill other types. It bounces back from snow cover fast. Red Russian handles summer heat better than curly types and bolts slower when things warm up. Lacinato suits warm coastal climates and gives you tender leaves even when your plants face some stress.
Match your planting schedule to your climate zone and you will harvest kale most of the year. Start with one spring and one fall planting to see how your garden does. Adjust your timing based on results and you will soon have fresh greens ready whenever you want them.
Don't let a hot or cold climate stop you from growing this hardy green. With the right approach, kale rewards you with months of fresh harvests no matter where you garden. Pick your varieties based on your zone and plant at the right times for your area.
Read the full article: Growing Kale: Planting and Harvesting Plan
