In zone 9, kale grows best in the cool months. Sow it in late summer and fall, by about September 16, for harvests through winter. You can also plant in late winter, around February 3, for spring greens before the heat.
Kale dates for your ZIP code
Planting times based on university extension guidance (UNH, Cornell, Purdue, Minnesota, Nebraska and UMass Extension). Frost dates from NOAA 1991–2020 U.S. Climate Normals, nearest weather station. Zones derived from the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map data (PRISM Climate Group, Oregon State University). This is not the official USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.
Kale timing in zone 9
| Task | When |
|---|---|
| Start indoors (optional) | December 23 – January 6 the previous fall |
| Plant outside | February 3 |
| First harvest | March 30 – April 19 |
| Sow for fall by | September 16 |
| Main season | Fall through early spring |
| Thin seedlings | To 8–12 inches apart |
| Harvest | Lower leaves as needed, all winter |
Most of zone 9 sees its last spring frost between February 16 and March 15 (typical March 3) and its first fall frost between November 15 and December 5 (typical November 25). Kale is very cold tolerant and keeps producing well past the first fall frosts. The tool above uses the weather station closest to your ZIP code.
Why kale is planted early and late
Kale is one of the most cold-tolerant vegetables. It handles frost, keeps producing well past the first fall frosts, and the cooler the weather, the better it tastes. That is why it goes out about four weeks before the last spring frost and is sown again in summer for fall.
Best kale varieties for zone 9
Kale is best grown as a fall and winter crop in zone 9. Good choices:
- Vates: low, hardy and slow to bolt.
- Dwarf Siberian: vigorous, with large blue-green leaves.
- Winterbor: very curly and cold tolerant.
- Red Russian: tender, flat leaves.
How to plant kale
- Sow seeds directly ¼–½ inch deep, or start transplants indoors about four weeks before planting out.
- Space rows 18–30 inches apart.
- Thin seedlings to 8–12 inches apart, or 4 inches for baby greens.
- Set transplants about 8 inches apart in rows 18 inches apart.
- Keep the soil evenly moist for tender leaves.
Zone 9 kale tips
- Sow in late summer. Kale is at its best in the fall garden, and light frost improves its flavor.
- Harvest all winter. Pick the lower leaves or cut whole plants as needed.
- Expect an early spring bonus. Plants that survive winter produce a flush of leaves in spring before bolting.
- Control aphids and cabbage worms, the most serious pests.
Harvesting kale
Pick leaves as soon as they reach a usable size, taking the larger ones and leaving the small ones to grow. You’ll get many harvests from the same plants. You can also cut the whole plant just above the soil. Leaves can be harvested even after they freeze.
Kale planting dates in nearby zones
- Zone 8March 3
See dates for every zone on the kale planting guide, or build a full schedule with the planting calendar.
Frequently asked questions
Is it too late to plant kale in zone 9 in February?
For spring, yes: kale bolts and turns tough in heat. Sow your next crop in late summer, by about September 16.
Can I grow kale in winter in zone 9?
Yes. Kale is very cold tolerant and keeps growing through mild winters.
Can kale handle frost?
Yes. Kale is very cold tolerant, and frost actually improves its flavor.
How do I harvest kale so it keeps growing?
Pick the larger leaves and leave the small ones in the center. The plant keeps producing new leaves.
Can I eat ornamental kale?
Grow eating varieties instead. Ornamental kale is bred for color and used mainly as a garnish.
Sources. Planting dates use the median frost dates of each USDA zone, calculated from NOAA climate data for every ZIP code in the zone.