kale

Best Planting Times for Kale in Florida

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

Planting Conditions

Florida’s warm climate is classified as humid subtropical in most of the state, with a tropical climate in the southern regions. Falling within USDA Hardiness Zones 8a to 11a, Florida provides a long growing season that favors cool-season crops like kale during the fall and winter months.

Plant kale outdoors approximately 4-6 weeks before the first frost in fall, or as soon as temperatures begin to cool in early autumn.

Average First Frost Dates for Florida’s Largest Cities

CityAverage First Frost Date
JacksonvilleDecember 9
MiamiRarely Frosts
TampaDecember 12
OrlandoDecember 5
St. PetersburgDecember 15
HialeahRarely Frosts
TallahasseeNovember 29
Fort LauderdaleRarely Frosts
Port St. LucieDecember 15
Cape CoralDecember 20

Please note: These dates are averages and can vary from year to year. In southern Florida, frost is rare, making it an ideal location for growing kale throughout the winter months. Always monitor local weather forecasts and consider your specific location and microclimate when planning your gardening activities.

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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.
Seeds Image
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.
Planting Trays Image
Find Planting Trays on Amazon

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.
Grow Lights Image
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.
Seed Starting Soil Image
Get Seed Starting Soil on Amazon

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.
Garden Trowel Image
Shop Garden Trowels on Amazon

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.
Fertilizer Image
Explore Fertilizer on Amazon

Other planting guides for Florida:

Any questions on growing kale? Visit our forum to discuss: Growing Kale

Starting Kale Indoors

In areas like Jacksonville (Zone 9a), start kale seeds indoors from September 1 to October 15. This timing ensures that seedlings are ready for outdoor transplanting from mid-October to early December, when the weather is cool and ideal for kale growth.

Transplanting Kale Seedlings

Transplant seedlings outdoors from October 15 to December 1, 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. Florida’s warm climate can cause soil to dry out quickly, especially in the sandy soils common in some areas, so regular watering is 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, particularly in sandy soils.

Pest and Disease Management:

  • Monitor for common pests like aphids, flea beetles, and cabbage worms. Florida’s humid climate can also encourage fungal diseases, so vigilance is 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 season, especially in Florida’s mild winter conditions.
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