When To Plant Kale In Texas

If you’re wondering when to plant kale in Texas, timing is everything for a successful harvest. The good news is, with our long growing season, you can often plant kale twice a year for a continuous supply of this nutritious green.

Kale is a cool-season crop, which means it thrives in milder temperatures. Planting it at the right time avoids the stress of our intense Texas heat, which can make it bitter or cause it to bolt. Let’s break down the best planting windows for your region.

The optimal planting times for kale in Texas depend largely on whether you are starting in the fall or the spring. Fall planting is generally easier and more productive for most of the state.

Fall Planting (The Prime Time)

This is the most reliable and recommended season for planting kale in Texas. The goal is to get plants established in the fall so they can grow through the winter and into early spring.

North Texas: Plant from late August through mid-October.
Central Texas: Aim for mid-September to late October.
South Texas: You can plant from October through December.

Fall planting allows the kale to mature during the coolest months. The flavor actually improves after a light frost, becoming sweeter.

Spring Planting (A Tighter Schedule)

Spring planting is possible but requires precise timing. You need to get kale in the ground early enough to mature before the summer heat arrives.

North Texas: Plant as soon as the soil is workable, typically late January to early March.
Central Texas: A good window is from late January through February.
South Texas: Plant in January or very early February.

The key is to harvest your spring-planted kale before daytime temperatures consistently exceed 80°F. Otherwise, it may bolt quickly.

Using Your USDA Zone as a Guide

Texas spans several USDA hardiness zones, from 6b in the Panhandle to 9b along the coast. Check your zone for the best localized advice:

Zones 6b-7: Focus on late summer/fall planting and very early spring planting.
Zones 8a-8b: You have flexible fall windows and a decent spring chance.
Zones 9a-9b: Fall and winter are your main growing seasons; spring is very short.

Step-by-Step Planting Guide

Once you’ve got your timing down, follow these steps to get your kale off to a strong start.

1. Choose Your Kale Variety

Some kale types handle Texas conditions better. Consider these reliable choices:

Lacinato (Dinosaur Kale): Tolerates heat a bit better than some.
Vates Blue Curled: A cold-hardy, dwarf variety good for smaller spaces.
Red Russian: Tends to be more heat-tolerant and has tender leaves.

2. Prepare Your Planting Site

Kale needs at least 6 hours of sun, but in hotter parts of Texas, afternoon shade is beneficial. The soil should be rich and well-draining.

Work in 3-4 inches of compost or well-rotted manure into the top 6 inches of soil.
Ensure the soil pH is between 6.0 and 7.0 for optimal nutrient uptake.
Raised beds are an excellent option for improving drainage and controlling soil quality.

3. Planting Seeds or Transplants

You can start from seed directly in the garden or begin with transplants from a nursery to get a head start.

For Seeds:

Plant seeds about ¼ to ½ inch deep.
Space them 3-4 inches apart in rows 18-24 inches apart.
Once seedlings are a few inches tall, thin them to 12-18 inches apart. You can eat the thinnings!

For Transplants:

Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball.
Place the plant in the hole at the same depth it was growing in its container.
Space plants 12-18 inches apart to give them room to grow.

Water thoroughly immediately after planting, regardless of method.

Caring for Your Texas Kale

Consistent care will ensure healthy plants and a bountiful harvest.

Watering

Kale likes consistent moisture. Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses are ideal to keep leaves dry and prevent disease. Inconsistent watering can lead to tough leaves.

Fertilizing

Since kale is a leafy green, it benefits from nitrogen. Feed your plants every 4-6 weeks with a balanced organic fertilizer or a side-dressing of compost. Don’t overdo it, as too much nitrogen can attract pests.

Managing Pests and Heat

Common pests in Texas include cabbage loopers, aphids, and flea beetles. Check the undersides of leaves regularly.

Handpick larger pests.
Use floating row covers as a physical barrier.
For severe infestations, use an organic insecticidal soap or neem oil.

To protect spring kale from early heat waves, use shade cloth to extend the harvest by a few weeks. Mulching heavily with straw or leaves helps keep soil cool and retain moisture.

Harvesting Your Kale

You can begin harvesting young leaves when they are about the size of your hand. Always harvest from the bottom of the plant up, taking the older outer leaves first.

Use a sharp knife or scissors to cut leaves, leaving the central growing bud intact.
This “cut-and-come-again” method allows the plant to keep producing new leaves from the center.
In the fall, a well-tended kale plant can often produce right through the winter and into spring.

If your kale starts to send up a tall flower stalk (bolting), the leaves will become bitter. Harvest the remaining leaves quickly and pull the plant. You can eat the kale flowers, too—they are edible and mild.

Common Questions About Growing Kale in Texas

Can kale survive a Texas winter?

Yes, kale is very cold-hardy. Established plants can survive temperatures down into the teens, especially with a light layer of mulch for root protection. In fact, cold weather improves its flavor.

Why is my kale bitter?

Bitterness is usually caused by stress, most commonly from high temperatures or lack of water. Planting at the correct time and providing consistent moisture are the best preventions. Frosts actually reduce bitterness.

Can I grow kale in a container?

Absolutely. Choose a pot that is at least 12 inches deep and wide. Use a high-quality potting mix and be vigilant about watering, as containers dry out faster. This is a great option for patios or small spaces.

What are good companion plants for kale in Texas?

Plant kale alongside herbs like dill or mint to deter pests. Other good companions include onions, beets, and celery. Avoid planting it near other brassicas like broccoli if you’ve had pest problems in the past.

Getting the timing right is the first and most important step for growing great kale in Texas. By following these regional guidelines and planting in the cooler windows of fall and early spring, you’ll set yourself up for a long and productive harvest. Remember to choose heat-tolerant varieties when possible, provide afternoon shade in warmer regions, and keep an eye on soil moisture. With a little planning, you can enjoy homegrown kale for many months of the year.