When To Plant Kale In Tennessee

If you’re wondering when to plant kale in Tennessee, you’re in the right place. Getting the timing right is the first step to a great harvest. Our state’s varied climate means planting dates can shift a bit. But with a simple guide, you can grow this nutritious green almost year-round.

Kale is a cool-season champion. It thrives in the milder temperatures of spring and fall. In Tennessee, our springs can be unpredictable and summers get hot. The key is to plant so kale matures in cool weather. This makes it sweeter and prevents it from bolting, which is when it goes to seed and turns bitter.

Spring Planting Dates

For a spring crop, you want to get kale in the ground early. The goal is to harvest before the peak summer heat arrives.

East Tennessee (Mountains): Plant from late March to mid-April.
Middle Tennessee (Plateau & Basin): Plant from late February to late March.
West Tennessee (Mississippi Plain): Plant from mid-February to mid-March.

A good rule is to sow seeds outdoors 4-6 weeks before your last expected spring frost. You can find your exact frost date online with a quick search. If you get a late cold snap, don’t worry. Young kale plants can handle a light frost quite well.

Fall Planting Dates

Fall is often the best time for kale in Tennessee. The cooling temperatures make kale incredibly sweet. Pests are also less of a problem then.

East Tennessee: Plant from early August to early September.
Middle Tennessee: Plant from mid-August to mid-September.
West Tennessee: Plant from late August to late September.

For a fall harvest, count backwards 6-8 weeks from your first average fall frost. This gives plants enough time to establish before winter. Kale flavor actually improves after a few light frosts.

Winter Growing Considerations

With some protection, kale can survive Tennessee winters. This is especially true in Middle and West Tennessee. Use a cold frame, row cover, or simple mulch around the plants base. You can often harvest leaves straight through winter. The plant may go dormant in the coldest weeks, but it will usually start growing again in late winter.

Choosing the Right Kale Variety

Some kale types perform better in our climate. Here are a few reliable choices:

Lacinato (Dinosaur Kale): Hardy and heat-tolerant, with long, blue-green leaves.
Winterbor: A very cold-tolerant, curly kale that’s perfect for fall planting.
Red Russian: Tender, flat leaves with a purple stem. It’s quick to mature and sweet after frost.
Vates Blue Curled: A dwarf, curly kale that handles cold and heat better than most.

Step-by-Step Planting Guide

Follow these steps for a successful kale patch.

1. Prepare Your Soil

Kale likes fertile, well-draining soil. Work in 2-3 inches of compost or aged manure before planting. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, between 6.0 and 7.0. A simple soil test from your local extension office can give you precise details.

2. Planting Seeds or Transplants

You can start from seed directly in the garden or use transplants for a head start.

Direct Seeding: Plant seeds ¼ to ½ inch deep. Space them about 3 inches apart. Later, thin seedlings to 12-18 inches apart so they have room to grow.
Using Transplants: You can start seeds indoors 5-7 weeks before your planting date. Set transplants at the same spacing, 12-18 inches apart.

3. Watering and Feeding

Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during germination and seedling growth. Kale needs about 1-1.5 inches of water per week. A layer of mulch helps retain moisture and keeps weeds down. Feed plants with a balanced organic fertilizer or a side-dressing of compost about a month after planting.

4. Managing Pests and Problems

Common pests in Tennessee include cabbage worms, aphids, and flea beetles.

Check the undersides of leaves regularly.
Handpick caterpillars or use an organic spray like Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis).
Row covers right after planting can prevent many insect problems.

Good air circulation and crop rotation each year also helps prevent disease.

Harvesting Your Kale

You can begin harvesting when leaves are about the size of your hand. Always harvest from the bottom up, taking the older outer leaves first. This allows the center of the plant to keep producing. Never strip the whole plant at once. A well cared for kale plant can provide leaves for many months.

For the sweetest flavor, harvest after a light frost in the fall. If flower stalks start to form (bolting) in late spring, harvest the entire plant, as the leaves will soon become bitter.

FAQ: Planting Kale in Tennessee

Can I plant kale in the summer in Tennessee?

It’s not ideal. Summer heat stresses kale, making it tough and bitter. It also bolts quickly. For a summer harvest, you would need to plant in very early spring and provide afternoon shade.

What is the latest I can plant kale for fall?

You can plant up until about 6 weeks before your first hard freeze. This gives the plant enough time to establish a strong root system. Even if it doesn’t get huge before winter, it will often survive under mulch and explode with growth in early spring.

Does kale come back every year?

Kale is technically a biennial, meaning it lives for two years. In Tennessee, we usually grow it as an annual. However, if you leave it in the ground over winter, it will often flower and set seed in its second spring before dying.

Should I start kale indoors or direct sow?

Both methods work. Direct sowing is easiest in the fall. For spring, starting indoors can give you a jump on the season, allowing you to harvest longer before summer heat arrives. If your spring are very wet, transplants might be more reliable.

Why are my kale leaves turning yellow?

Yellow leaves can have a few causes. Older leaves yellow naturally as they age. Widespread yellowing could mean overwatering, poor drainage, or a need for nitrogen fertilizer. Check your soil moisture and consider a light feed with a balanced fertilizer.

Growing kale in Tennessee is rewarding because it’s so adaptable. By timing your planting for the cool seasons, you’ll enjoy a long harvest of this healthy green. Remember to start early in spring, and don’t be afraid to plant again in late summer for the best harvest of all.