When to Plant Kale in Louisiana
Published: April 24, 2026
Louisiana gardeners in Zone 8b enjoy an extended 45-week growing season for kale. Cool-season crops like kale do best in fall, winter, and early spring in Louisiana — the hot summers bolt these plants before they can be harvested. This guide gives exact dates for Louisiana based on your local frost calendar.
Kale Planting Dates for Louisiana
| Start seeds indoors | December 28–January 4 |
| Last frost (average) | February 1 |
| Transplant outdoors | January 4–14 |
| Direct sow outdoors | January 4–14 |
| Expect first harvest | February 28 – March 20 |
| Fall crop start | October 20–30 |
| Fall harvest | December 14 |
| First fall frost (average) | December 15 |
Dates above assume Zone 8b, the most common zone in Louisiana. Gardeners in cooler New Orleans (Zone 8b) plant 1–2 weeks later; warmer Shreveport (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 Louisiana's Climate
Louisiana's warm Zone 8b 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 Louisiana — 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 Louisiana 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 Louisiana
| Month | Task | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| January | Transplant outdoors | Soil temp must be 40°F+; nighttime lows above 50°F |
| February | Harden off seedlings | Set seedlings outdoors 1–2 hours daily, increasing gradually |
| 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 | Fall crop planting | Transplant or direct sow for fall harvest before frost |
| November | — | Off-season |
| December | Start seeds indoors | Use grow lights; warm soil to 70–75°F for best germination |
Kale Growing Tips for Louisiana 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.
- •Louisiana'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 Louisiana
In Louisiana'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 Louisiana
Top cities in Louisiana — select for city-level frost dates and planting calendars.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant kale in Louisiana?
In Louisiana (Zone 8b), start kale seeds indoors around December 28–January 4 and transplant outdoors around January 4–14 — 4 weeks before the state's average last frost of February 1.
What is the last frost date in Louisiana?
Louisiana's average last frost date is February 1 in the state's most common Zone 8b. 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 Louisiana?
kale is a cool-season crop in Louisiana, 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 Louisiana?
For Louisiana's Zone 8b, consult a local nursery or extension office for kale variety recommendations.
When do I start kale seeds indoors in Louisiana?
Start kale seeds indoors in Louisiana around December 28–January 4, which is 5 weeks before the state's average last frost of February 1. Use grow lights and keep soil temperatures at 70–75°F for fastest germination.