Best Planting Times for Kale in California
| Planting Method | Activity | Recommended Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoor Planting | Indoor Seed Starting | January 1 – February 15 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 15 – March 31 | |
| Fall Planting | Direct Sow Outdoors | September 1 – October 15 |
Planting Conditions
California’s diverse climate ranges from Mediterranean along the coast to arid in the interior, falling within USDA Hardiness Zones 5a to 10b. These variations require attention to local conditions when planning your kale planting.
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Useful Tools for Starting Kale Indoors
Using the right tools can save you time and increase your success rate.
Seeds
Quality seeds lead to better germination and healthier plants. Starting with high-quality seeds gives your kale the best chance to thrive from the very beginning.
Browse Kale Seeds on Amazon
Planting Trays
Planting trays help you organize your seedlings and ensure they have enough space to grow before you transplant them outdoors. This makes the process more efficient and increases the chances of strong, healthy plants.
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Grow Lights
Grow lights are essential if you don’t have enough natural sunlight. They provide your seedlings with the light they need to grow strong and healthy, even in less-than-ideal conditions.
Check out Grow Lights on Amazon
Seed Starting Soil
Using light, fine soil specifically designed for seed starting helps young roots establish quickly and promotes healthy growth. It’s an easy way to give your seedlings the best start possible.
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Garden Tools and Fertilizer
Garden Trowel
A garden trowel is a handy tool that makes transplanting your seedlings easier and more precise, ensuring that each plant is placed at the right depth without damaging the roots.
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Soil and Fertilizer
Fertilizer is essential for enhancing growth, especially if your soil is nutrient-poor. By enriching the soil, you give your kale plants the nutrients they need to grow robust and produce a bountiful harvest.
Explore Fertilizer on Amazon
Other planting guides for California:
Any questions on growing kale? Visit our forum to discuss: Growing Kale
Plant kale outdoors approximately 4-6 weeks before the last frost in spring, and 6-8 weeks before the first frost in fall.
Average Last Frost Dates for California’s Largest Cities
| City | Average Last Frost Date |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles | February 15 |
| San Diego | February 10 |
| San Jose | March 15 |
| San Francisco | February 1 |
| Fresno | March 1 |
| Sacramento | March 1 |
| Long Beach | February 5 |
| Oakland | February 20 |
| Bakersfield | February 25 |
| Anaheim | February 20 |
Average First Frost Dates for California’s Largest Cities
| City | Average First Frost Date |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles | December 15 |
| San Diego | December 20 |
| San Jose | November 30 |
| San Francisco | December 10 |
| Fresno | November 20 |
| Sacramento | November 15 |
| Long Beach | December 18 |
| Oakland | December 5 |
| Bakersfield | November 25 |
| Anaheim | December 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 Los Angeles (Zone 10b), start kale seeds indoors from January 1 to February 15. This timing ensures that seedlings are ready for outdoor transplanting from mid-February to the end of March, before the summer heat begins.
Transplanting Kale Seedlings
Transplant seedlings outdoors from February 15 to March 31, ensuring soil temperatures are consistently above 45°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 maintain evenly moist soil. California’s varying climates may require different watering schedules, but regular watering is essential, especially in arid regions.
- Water at the base of the plants to prevent wetting the foliage, reducing 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.
Pest and Disease Management:
- Monitor for common pests like aphids, flea beetles, and cabbage worms. California’s climate can also foster some fungal diseases, depending on the region.
- 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 helps to extend the harvesting season, particularly in California’s mild winters.
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