When to Plant Kale in California
Published: April 24, 2026
California gardeners in Zone 9b enjoy an extended 50-week growing season for kale. Cool-season crops like kale do best in fall, winter, and early spring in California — the hot summers bolt these plants before they can be harvested. This guide gives exact dates for California based on your local frost calendar.
Kale Planting Dates for California
| Start seeds indoors | December 11–18 |
| Last frost (average) | January 15 |
| Transplant outdoors | December 18–28 |
| Direct sow outdoors | December 18–28 |
| Expect first harvest | February 11 – March 3 |
| Fall crop start | November 5–15 |
| Fall harvest | December 30 |
| First fall frost (average) | December 31 |
Dates above assume Zone 9b, the most common zone in California. Gardeners in cooler Santa Rosa (Zone 6b) plant 1–2 weeks later; warmer San Francisco (Zone 10b) 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 California's Climate
California's warm Zone 9b climate makes kale a fall, winter, and early spring crop rather than a summer one. The cool-season window runs roughly October through April in California — plant outside this window and the kale will bolt (send up a flower stalk and turn bitter) before it produces a harvestable crop.
Succession planting stretches the kale harvest window. Sow small amounts every two weeks from October through February — you will have staggered harvests rather than a single wave to process all at once. Bolt-resistant varieties extend the usable window an extra three to four weeks into warming weather.
Common kale pests to watch for in California 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 California
| Month | Task | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| January | Harden off seedlings | Set seedlings outdoors 1–2 hours daily, increasing gradually |
| February | First harvest window opens | Kale begins producing 55–75 days after transplant |
| March | — | Off-season |
| April | — | Off-season |
| May ← | Watch for bolting | Harvest promptly; spring heat arrives quickly |
| June | — | Off-season |
| July | — | Off-season |
| August | — | Off-season |
| September | — | Off-season |
| October | — | Off-season |
| November | Fall crop planting | Transplant or direct sow for fall harvest before frost |
| December | Transplant outdoors | Soil temp must be 40°F+; nighttime lows above 50°F |
Kale Growing Tips for California 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.
- •California's cool-season kale plants best in October, November, and December for winter and early spring harvest. Spring plantings bolt before producing a harvestable crop.
- •Use floating row covers to block cabbage white butterflies from laying eggs on plants.
Companion Planting for Kale in California
In California's warm 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 California
Top cities in California — select for city-level frost dates and planting calendars.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant kale in California?
In California (Zone 9b), start kale seeds indoors around December 11–18 and transplant outdoors around December 18–28 — 4 weeks before the state's average last frost of January 15.
What is the last frost date in California?
California's average last frost date is January 15 in the state's most common Zone 9b. 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 California?
kale is a cool-season crop in California, 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 California?
For California's Zone 9b, consult a local nursery or extension office for kale variety recommendations.
When do I start kale seeds indoors in California?
Start kale seeds indoors in California around December 11–18, which is 5 weeks before the state's average last frost of January 15. Use grow lights and keep soil temperatures at 70–75°F for fastest germination.