Kale
Kale, with its curly or flat leaves and rich green hues, brings a vibrant and nutritious presence to any garden. This leafy green is known for its hardy nature and high nutritional value, offering a variety of textures and flavors depending on the variety. Its lush, frilly leaves make kale an attractive addition to garden beds, containers, or even as part of ornamental garden displays.
In Florida planting zone 9, kale thrives, particularly during the cooler months. The plants grow into robust, bushy forms, with leaves that can be harvested continuously throughout the growing season. Watching these vibrant greens flourish is a satisfying experience, showcasing the bounty of your garden.
For those new to gardening, kale is an excellent choice. It is relatively easy to grow and provides a steady supply of nutritious leaves. Whether you enjoy it in salads, smoothies, or cooked dishes, kale brings a hearty and healthy addition to your meals, making your gardening efforts truly rewarding.
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The vegetables listed on this page are not the only ones that can thrive in this region of Florida, but they represent the top recommended varieties for optimal growth and success in local conditions.
Kale Varieties:
Lacinato (Dinosaur Kale)
Heirloom
Description: Lacinato kale, also known as Dinosaur kale or Tuscan kale, is known for its dark blue-green, bumpy leaves and rich, earthy flavor. It is a versatile variety suitable for salads, soups, and cooking.
Growing Season: Fall and Winter
USDA Planting Zone: 3–9
Special Notes: Very cold-tolerant and performs well in cooler weather. Its unique texture and flavor make it a favorite among chefs and gardeners.
Red Russian
Heirloom
Description: Red Russian kale features flat, tender leaves with purple veins and a slightly sweet flavor. It is a hardy variety that can withstand both cold and heat.
Growing Season: Fall and Winter
USDA Planting Zone: 4–9
Special Notes: Its tender leaves make it ideal for salads and light cooking. It is also very attractive and can be used ornamentally.
Winterbor
Hybrid
Description: Winterbor is a hybrid kale variety known for its curly, blue-green leaves and excellent cold tolerance. It produces high yields and has a mild flavor.
Growing Season: Fall and Winter
USDA Planting Zone: 3–9
Special Notes: Resistant to frost and performs well in colder temperatures, making it a reliable choice for winter gardens.
Dwarf Blue Curled
Heirloom
Description: Dwarf Blue Curled kale is a compact variety with finely curled, blue-green leaves. It has a sweet, mild flavor and is ideal for small gardens and containers.
Growing Season: Fall and Winter
USDA Planting Zone: 3–9
Special Notes: Very hardy and performs well in cooler weather. Its compact size makes it suitable for container gardening.
Siberian
Heirloom
Description: Siberian kale is known for its large, tender leaves and mild flavor. It is very cold-tolerant and can survive in extremely low temperatures.
Growing Season: Fall and Winter
USDA Planting Zone: 3–9
Special Notes: Performs well in colder climates and can be harvested throughout the winter. It has a sweeter taste after exposure to frost.
Florida Vegetable Planting Guide
This guide provides information on when to start seeds inside, direct seed, and transplant starter plants in the different regions of Florida.
North USDA Planting Zones: 8b–9a
Central USDA Planting Zones: 9b & some of 10a
South USDA Planting Zones: 10a–11b
Visit the U.S. National Arboretum for an exact USDA Planting Zone Map.
| Kale | North Florida | Central Florida | South Florida |
|---|---|---|---|
| Start Seeds Inside | Aug–Sep | Aug–Sep | Aug–Sep |
| Direct Seed | Sep–Feb | Sep–Feb | Oct–Feb |
| Transplant Starter Plants | Oct–Mar | Oct–Mar | Oct–Mar |
Planting Guide – Kale
Getting Started
Start Seeds Inside:
Starting kale seeds indoors provides a controlled environment for germination, helping you grow strong, healthy seedlings that are ready for transplanting.
This gives plants a head start before they go out into the garden, especially useful in late summer for fall crops.
Direct Seed:
Direct seeding kale during the cooler months allows the plants to grow in their final location from the beginning.
Cooler temperatures help prevent heat stress and reduce the risk of bolting, giving you tender, flavorful leaves over a long season.
Transplant Starter Plants:
Transplanting kale starter plants during the cooler months lets them establish quickly and take advantage of the full growing season.
Transplants fill gaps in beds, extend harvests, and give more predictable spacing and timing than direct seeding alone.
Kale is a forgiving crop that works well whether you start indoors, direct seed, or plant transplants—making it ideal for both new and experienced gardeners in Florida’s Zone 9.
Soil, Sun, Water, and Spacing
Soil:
Kale prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
Improve your beds with compost or well-rotted manure to boost fertility and soil structure.
Loose, rich soil encourages strong root systems and steady leaf production.
Sun:
Full sun is ideal for the best growth and leaf production, but kale can tolerate partial shade—especially in warmer parts of Florida.
In hot weather, light afternoon shade can help reduce stress and improve leaf quality.
Watering:
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Regular, even moisture helps kale produce tender, flavorful leaves and reduces bitterness.
Mulch around plants to hold moisture, keep roots cooler, and suppress weeds.
Spacing:
Plant seedlings 8–12 inches apart, with rows spaced 18–24 inches apart.
This spacing allows good air circulation, reduces disease pressure, and gives plants room to form full, leafy rosettes.
Harvesting
When to Harvest:
Kale is typically ready to begin harvesting about 50–70 days after planting, once leaves are about the size of your hand.
How to Harvest:
Harvest the outer leaves first and leave the inner growing point intact.
Take no more than one-third of the plant at a time so it continues producing.
Frequent harvesting encourages new leaf growth and keeps leaves tender.
Fertilization, Care, and Common Problems
Fertilization (N–P–K Ratio):
Kale benefits from a fertilizer with higher nitrogen to support leafy growth, such as 10-5-5 or a balanced blend like 16-16-8,
combined with plenty of organic matter.
When to Add:
Before Planting: Mix fertilizer into the soil before sowing seeds or setting out transplants.
Mid-Growing Season: Reapply every 4–6 weeks during the growing season, especially after heavy harvests.
Application Tips:
- Follow the directions on the fertilizer package to avoid over-fertilization and salt buildup.
- Apply fertilizer in a ring around the base of plants and water thoroughly so nutrients move into the root zone.
- Top-dress with compost to support soil health and steady production.
- Mulch to retain moisture, cool the soil, and reduce weeds.
Pests and Diseases in Florida:
- Aphids: Sap-feeders that cause curling/yellowing and sticky honeydew.
- Cabbage Worms: Caterpillars that chew holes and can defoliate plants quickly.
- Flea Beetles: “Shot-hole” leaf damage, especially on young plants.
- Cutworms: Cut seedlings at the soil line.
- Downy Mildew: Yellowing + fuzzy growth on leaf undersides.
- Clubroot: Swollen roots and stunting (soil-borne).
Blog post on Natural Fertilizers
Natural Pest Control
Companion Plants and Plants to Avoid
Companion Plants:
| Marigold | Helps deter nematodes and may reduce aphid/flea beetle pressure while attracting beneficial insects. |
| Onions | Strong scent can help confuse pests; fits well in mixed beds alongside kale. |
| Dill | Attracts beneficial insects (ladybugs, parasitic wasps) that help with aphids and caterpillars. |
| Chamomile | Attracts hoverflies/wasps and can support overall plant health in mixed beds. |
| Thyme | Low-growing living mulch; flowers attract beneficial insects and the scent can deter some pests. |
Plants to Avoid Nearby:
| Strawberries | Can increase pest/disease pressure in the same bed; keep in a separate patch. |
| Tomatoes | Compete for space and resources; typically managed best in separate seasonal beds. |
| Peppers | Warm-season crop with different needs; separate spacing helps reduce competition. |
| Garden Beans | May not perform well interplanted with brassicas; separate beds/rotations work best. |
| Other Brassicas (Cabbage, Cauliflower, Brussels Sprouts, Broccoli) |
Share pests/diseases; if planted together, rotate the entire brassica family and monitor closely. |