When to Plant Kale in Alabama
Published: April 24, 2026
Alabama gardeners in Zone 7b have a 38-week growing season for kale (March 1 to November 22). Alabama's spring and fall windows both work well for kale — some gardeners plant both successions for a long harvest. This guide gives exact dates for Alabama based on your local frost calendar.
Kale Planting Dates for Alabama
| Start seeds indoors | January 25–February 1 |
| Last frost (average) | March 1 |
| Transplant outdoors | February 1–11 |
| Direct sow outdoors | February 1–11 |
| Expect first harvest | March 28 – April 17 |
| Fall crop start | September 27–October 7 |
| Fall harvest | November 21 |
| First fall frost (average) | November 22 |
Dates above assume Zone 7b, the most common zone in Alabama. Gardeners in cooler Birmingham (Zone 7b) plant 1–2 weeks later; warmer Montgomery (Zone 8a) can plant 1–2 weeks earlier.
⚠ Plant kale 3–5 weeks before last frost for spring. Best planted in late summer (6–8 weeks before first fall frost) for fall/winter harvest. Frost sweetens the flavor.
Growing Kale in Alabama's Climate
Alabama's moderate Zone 7b climate is well-suited to kale with minimal special accommodation. The standard transplant calendar works as written, and harvest windows line up with what seed packets recommend without adjustment.
Succession planting extends your kale harvest significantly in Alabama. A second planting 3 to 4 weeks after the first gives you a backup in case of pest pressure and extends the total harvest window into early fall.
Common kale pests to watch for in Alabama include Cabbage Worm and Cabbage Looper. The first line of defense is companion planting: Onion and Garlic planted nearby discourage several of these pests by confusing host-plant identification or repelling adults before they can lay eggs. Weekly garden walks in the early morning catch problems when they're still manageable.
Kale Garden Calendar for Alabama
| Month | Task | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| January | Start seeds indoors | Use grow lights; warm soil to 70–75°F for best germination |
| February | Transplant outdoors | Soil temp must be 40°F+; nighttime lows above 50°F |
| March | Harden off seedlings | Set seedlings outdoors 1–2 hours daily, increasing gradually |
| April | — | Dormant season |
| May ← | Watch for bolting | Harvest promptly; spring heat arrives quickly |
| June | — | Dormant season |
| July | — | Dormant season |
| August | — | Dormant season |
| September | Fall crop planting | Transplant or direct sow for fall harvest before frost |
| October | — | Dormant season |
| November | First frost approaches | Harvest remaining kale; cover plants on frost nights |
| December | — | Dormant season |
Kale Growing Tips for Alabama Gardeners
- •Harvest outer leaves first using the cut-and-come-again method; the central growing point will produce for months.
- •Kale leaves become sweeter after the first frost as plants convert starches to sugars — wait for cold nights for best flavor.
- •Alabama's moderate climate supports succession planting — sow new transplants or seeds every 3 weeks during spring to extend the harvest window into fall.
- •Use floating row covers to block cabbage white butterflies from laying eggs on plants.
Companion Planting for Kale in Alabama
In Alabama's moderate climate, planting kale with Onion and Garlic helps deter pests and improve soil. Avoid planting near Tomato and Strawberry, which inhibit kale growth through root chemistry or shared pest pressure. See the full kale companion planting guide for the complete list.
Kale Planting Dates by City in Alabama
Top cities in Alabama — select for city-level frost dates and planting calendars.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant kale in Alabama?
In Alabama (Zone 7b), start kale seeds indoors around January 25–February 1 and transplant outdoors around February 1–11 — 4 weeks before the state's average last frost of March 1.
What is the last frost date in Alabama?
Alabama's average last frost date is March 1 in the state's most common Zone 7b. Frost dates vary by city — higher elevations and northern counties run 1 to 3 weeks later than the state average. See the city list below for city-level frost dates.
Can I grow kale year-round in Alabama?
kale is a cool-season crop in Alabama, with spring and fall windows. Summer heat bolts the plants before they can produce a harvestable crop. Succession planting every 2–3 weeks stretches the harvest window.
What kale varieties grow best in Alabama?
For Alabama's Zone 7b, consult a local nursery or extension office for kale variety recommendations.
When do I start kale seeds indoors in Alabama?
Start kale seeds indoors in Alabama around January 25–February 1, which is 5 weeks before the state's average last frost of March 1. Use grow lights and keep soil temperatures at 70–75°F for fastest germination.