How to Grow Kale in Florida
Kale is one of the most rewarding Florida cool-season greens, productive, hardy, and sweeter after a touch of frost.
Kale is an easy cool-season green; plant fall through winter and pick the outer leaves for months. A light frost actually sweetens it.
When to plant in Florida
| Region | Sow / transplant |
|---|---|
| North Florida | Sep-Feb |
| Central Florida | Oct-Feb |
| South Florida | Oct-Jan |
Varieties
- 'Lacinato' (Dinosaur) — tender, flavorful dark leaves.
- 'Red Russian' — mild, productive, cold-hardy.
- 'Vates' — compact, very hardy curly type.
How to grow it
- Full sun (afternoon shade as it warms), rich soil, steady water and light regular feeding for tender leaves.
- Harvest the lowest, oldest leaves first and the plant keeps producing from the top.
Pests & problems
Cabbage loopers and worms chew the leaves; aphids cluster on new growth. Use Bt for caterpillars, hose off aphids, and floating row cover keeps the moths off.
Source: UF/IFAS Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide (SP 103).
When to plant in your region
Pick your region to see the planting months for kale where you garden.
See also: Kale in the plant library →
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