kale

Best Planting Times for Kale in Arizona

Planting MethodActivityRecommended Dates
Outdoor PlantingIndoor Seed StartingSeptember 1 – October 1
Transplant OutdoorsOctober 15 – November 15
Fall PlantingDirect Sow OutdoorsSeptember 15 – October 15

Planting Conditions

Arizona’s climate varies from desert in the lower elevations to more temperate conditions in the higher elevations. The state falls within USDA Hardiness Zones 4b to 10b, requiring careful planning, especially for cool-season crops like kale.

Plant kale outdoors approximately 4-6 weeks before the first frost in fall, or as the summer heat begins to wane in early autumn.

Average First Frost Dates for Arizona’s Largest Cities

CityAverage First Frost Date
PhoenixDecember 12
TucsonNovember 29
MesaDecember 5
ChandlerDecember 7
ScottsdaleDecember 10
GlendaleDecember 9
GilbertDecember 7
TempeDecember 8
PeoriaDecember 10
SurpriseDecember 12

Please note: These dates are averages and can vary from year to year. It is always a good idea to monitor local weather forecasts and consider your specific location and microclimate when planning your gardening activities.

Starting Kale Indoors

In areas like Phoenix (Zone 10a), start kale seeds indoors from September 1 to October 1. This timing ensures that seedlings are ready for outdoor transplanting from mid-October to mid-November, when the weather has cooled.

Transplanting Kale Seedlings

Transplant seedlings outdoors from October 15 to November 15, ensuring soil temperatures are consistently below 85°F. Space seedlings 12-18 inches apart in rows at least 18 inches apart to allow for good air circulation and sunlight exposure.

General Care and Maintenance

Watering:

  • Water deeply and consistently to keep the soil evenly moist. Arizona’s dry climate can cause soil to dry out quickly, making regular watering essential.
  • Water at the base of the plants to prevent wetting the foliage, which helps reduce the risk of fungal diseases.

Fertilizing:

  • Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting and again when the leaves begin to develop. Adding compost to the soil before planting can improve fertility and moisture retention in Arizona’s often sandy soils.

Pest and Disease Management:

  • Monitor for common pests like aphids, flea beetles, and cabbage worms. While the dry climate can reduce fungal diseases, vigilance against pests is still necessary.
  • Use organic or integrated pest management strategies to protect your plants from pests and diseases.

Harvesting Kale:

  • Harvest kale leaves when they are large enough to eat but still tender. Regular harvesting encourages new growth and can extend the harvesting season, particularly in Arizona’s mild winter climate.
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