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.
I would give kale a 5 out of 5 on how easy it is to grow. It is very easy to cultivate and manage, making it perfect for beginners and experienced gardeners alike.
Affiliate Disclaimer:
Ocala Food Forest participates in affiliate programs that help support our educational and community projects.
When you purchase through the links provided on our site, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
This support allows us to keep the site free to access and continue researching what grows best in Central Florida’s Zone 9 climate.
We only recommend products and resources we have personally tested and trust.
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
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
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 Map
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 |
Start Seeds Inside: Direct Seed: Transplant Starter Plants:
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: Watering: Spacing: Fertilization (N–P–K Ratio): When to Add: Application Tips: Harvest: Pests and Diseases in Florida:
Companion Plants: Plants to Avoid Nearby:
Planting Guide – Kale
Getting Started
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 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.
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.
Soil, Sun, Water, and Spacing
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.
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.
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.
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.
Fertilization, Care, and Common Problems
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. Nitrogen encourages lush, green leaves and steady regrowth after harvesting.
Before Planting: Mix fertilizer into the soil before sowing seeds or setting out transplants to promote strong initial growth.
Mid-Growing Season: Reapply every 4–6 weeks during the growing season to support continuous leafy growth, especially after heavy harvests.
Kale is ready to harvest when leaves are about the size of your hand, typically 50–70 days after planting.
For best flavor and sustained production, harvest the outer leaves first, taking no more than one-third of the plant at a time and leaving the inner leaves to keep growing.
Blog post on Natural Fertilizers
Natural Pest Control
Companion Plants and Plants to Avoid
Marigold
Marigolds are bright, sunny flowers that release compounds in the soil that deter nematodes and other soil-borne pests.
They help repel aphids, flea beetles, and other insects that target kale, while their flowers attract pollinators and beneficial insects.
Onions
Onions have a strong aroma that helps mask the scent of kale and repel aphids, flea beetles, and other pests.
They fit well in mixed beds and make efficient use of space alongside kale.
Dill
Dill attracts beneficial insects such as ladybugs and predatory wasps that feed on aphids, cabbage worms, and flea beetles.
Its feathery foliage also adds diversity and structure to the garden bed.
Chamomile
Chamomile attracts hoverflies and parasitic wasps that prey on aphids and other pests.
It also has mild antifungal properties that can help reduce diseases like downy mildew around kale plants.
Thyme
Thyme’s strong aroma helps repel cabbage worms, flea beetles, and other pests.
Its low, spreading habit makes an excellent living mulch around kale, while flowers attract beneficial insects.
Strawberries
Strawberries can attract pests and diseases that also affect kale, increasing pressure on your brassica bed.
It is better to keep strawberries in their own dedicated patch.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes compete with kale for nutrients and water and can attract pests that also feed on brassicas.
Separate beds reduce competition and help keep pest issues localized.
Peppers
Peppers may stunt kale growth when planted too closely, as they compete for similar nutrients and space in warm seasons.
Keep some distance between your nightshade crops and brassicas.
Garden Beans
Garden beans can inhibit the growth of kale and other brassicas.
Plant beans in separate beds or rotate them to other parts of the garden away from your kale patch.
Other Brassicas
(Cabbage, Cauliflower, Brussels Sprouts, Broccoli)
Other brassicas compete for the same nutrients and attract many of the same pests and diseases as kale.
If you do plant them nearby, rotate the entire brassica family regularly and pay extra attention to pest and disease management.