Kale is a nutritional powerhouse, but growing it in Florida presents a distinct challenge. This leafy green is naturally a cool-season crop that thrives in temperatures encouraging sweet, tender leaves. Florida’s subtropical conditions, characterized by high heat and humidity outside the winter months, can quickly cause the plant to “bolt,” or prematurely flower. Successfully growing kale depends entirely on precise timing to align the plant’s active growth period with the brief, cooler window the state offers.
Optimal Planting Windows by Florida Region
The proper timing for planting kale varies significantly across Florida, following the north-to-south gradient of cooling temperatures.
North Florida
Gardeners in North Florida, including the Panhandle region, benefit from the longest cool season. Planting can begin as early as August and continue through February. This longer window allows for multiple succession plantings, maximizing the harvest.
Central Florida
Central Florida gardeners should target the period between September and February for planting to avoid the lingering heat of late summer. Monitor local forecasts to ensure soil temperatures are dropping before planting seeds or transplants. Establish the plants firmly before the coldest part of the winter arrives.
South Florida
South Florida, encompassing areas like Miami and the Keys, has the most restrictive window due to its near-tropical climate. Planting should be delayed until November and ideally completed by January to capture the short, mild winter. Concentrating the planting in the coolest months prevents the kale from turning bitter or bolting prematurely.
Selecting Varieties and Site Preparation
Choosing varieties specifically known for their tolerance to heat and slower bolting is paramount for Florida growing. Excellent choices include ‘Vates Dwarf Blue Curled’ and Tuscan kale, also known as Lacinato or Dinosaur kale, which are slower to turn bitter in warmer conditions. Varieties like ‘Ethiopian Kale’ are highly regarded for their ability to handle Florida’s fluctuating temperatures and humidity.
Kale requires soil that is both fertile and well-drained to grow vigorously, which helps produce the desirable tender leaves. Prior to planting, amend the native sandy soil generously with organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure. Kale performs best in a slightly acidic to neutral soil environment, with a preferred pH range of 6.0 to 7.5.
The planting site should receive full sun exposure during the winter months for North and Central Florida. However, in the warmer regions of South Florida, providing partial shade, particularly during the hottest part of the day, can prolong the harvest. Ensure the area has good air circulation to mitigate the risk of fungal diseases that thrive in Florida’s humid air.
Protecting Your Plants Until Harvest
Once kale is established, consistent post-planting care is necessary to combat the Florida environment. Kale requires deep and consistent watering, especially during dry spells, to prevent stress that leads to bitter leaves. Applying a balanced fertilizer every two to three weeks, or using a nitrogen-rich organic option like fish emulsion, supports the continuous production of lush foliage.
Florida’s mild winters mean pest pressure remains constant, with common culprits being the Cabbage Aphid and the Cabbage Looper. Small cabbage worms can be controlled manually by hand-picking them off the leaves. A biological insecticide containing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is effective against the larval stage. Aphids can be managed by spraying insecticidal soap or neem oil on the undersides of the leaves.
Harvesting must be done correctly to maximize the yield over the short growing season. Employ the “cut-and-come-again” method by removing the larger, older, outer leaves at the base of the plant. Leave the inner, smaller leaves and the central growing point intact. This technique encourages the plant to continue producing new leaves until the heat of late spring causes the plant to bolt.