When to Plant Kale in Zone 9
In USDA zone 9a, start seeds indoors around December 28, transplant or plant outdoors February 1 to March 28, and expect your first harvest around March 28. Zone 9 also has a fall planting window opening around October 13. (9a shown here — see 9a and 9b dates separately below.)
Kale planting calendar for USDA Zone 9a
Average last spring frost
March 1
Average first fall frost
December 1
spring planting
Start seeds indoors
Dec 28
Transplant outdoors
Feb 1
Projected first harvest
Mar 28
fall planting
Start seeds indoors
Sep 8
Transplant outdoors
Oct 13
Projected first harvest
Dec 7
spring planting
fall planting
Most kale mature in about 55 to 60 days depending on the variety, needing roughly 275 frost-free days in zone 9a.
Kale planting calendar for USDA Zone 9b
Average last spring frost
February 15
Average first fall frost
December 15
spring planting
Start seeds indoors
Dec 14
Transplant outdoors
Jan 18
Projected first harvest
Mar 14
fall planting
Start seeds indoors
Sep 22
Transplant outdoors
Oct 27
Projected first harvest
Dec 21
spring planting
fall planting
Most kale mature in about 55 to 60 days depending on the variety, needing roughly 303 frost-free days in zone 9b.
Not sure whether you're in 9a or 9b? Set your ZIP in HomeSown for dates tuned to your exact location.
Varieties to grow
3 varieties of kale in the HomeSown library. Tap any for its full grow guide.
Common problems with kale
What to watch for, with identification and treatment for each
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