kale

Best Planting Times for Kale in Hawaii

Planting MethodActivityRecommended Dates
Outdoor PlantingIndoor Seed StartingYear-round
Transplant OutdoorsYear-round
Fall PlantingDirect Sow OutdoorsYear-round

Planting Conditions

Hawaii’s tropical climate allows for year-round gardening, with USDA Hardiness Zones ranging from 10a to 12b. Kale can be grown at any time of the year, particularly thriving in cooler, higher elevation areas.

In Hawaii, kale can be planted outdoors at any time, though cooler periods at higher elevations can be particularly beneficial for growth.

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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.
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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.
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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.
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Other planting guides for Hawaii:

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

Starting Kale Indoors

In areas like Honolulu, kale seeds can be started indoors at any time of the year. This flexibility allows for continuous planting and harvesting cycles, with indoor starting recommended during particularly hot or dry periods.

Transplanting Kale Seedlings

Transplant seedlings outdoors year-round, ensuring soil temperatures are consistently suitable for growth. 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. Hawaii’s tropical climate may require frequent watering, especially in dry areas.
  • 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 improves fertility and moisture retention.

Pest and Disease Management:

  • Monitor for common pests like aphids, flea beetles, and cabbage worms. Hawaii’s tropical 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 provide a continuous supply of fresh kale year-round in Hawaii’s favorable climate.
BeeJay
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