Kale is a hardy, cool-weather crop that thrives when temperatures remain between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Successful cultivation in Georgia requires precise timing to avoid intense summer heat (above 80°F). The plant tolerates light frost, which actually sweetens the leaves. By utilizing the state’s two primary planting windows—spring and fall—gardeners can ensure a productive and flavorful harvest.
Identifying Georgia’s Two Kale Seasons
Georgia offers two distinct planting opportunities defined by the state’s average frost and heat dates. The spring planting window aims for an early harvest before summer heat arrives. Seedlings should be transplanted outdoors three to five weeks before the last expected spring frost. This early start allows the plant to mature before high temperatures cause it to bolt, making the leaves tough and bitter.
The fall season is the superior time for growing kale, as plants mature in gradually cooling weather. Gardeners should sow seeds or transplant seedlings six to eight weeks before the first expected fall frost. This timing allows kale to establish a robust root system, and subsequent exposure to light frost improves the flavor by concentrating sugars.
How Region Affects Planting Dates
The general planting windows must be adjusted depending on whether you are gardening in North, Central, or South Georgia. Central Georgia, spanning from Columbus through Macon to Augusta, serves as the baseline. Here, the fall planting window generally runs from mid-July through September.
North Georgia
The mountain region experiences a compressed growing season due to colder winters and later spring frosts. Spring planting dates are typically one to three weeks later than Central Georgia. Fall planting should begin about two weeks earlier, often starting in mid-July, to ensure maturity before deeper winter freezes arrive.
South Georgia
Milder winters allow for an extended fall and winter harvest. Spring planting must occur much earlier, often in January or February, to beat the early onset of summer heat. The fall planting window is also extended, allowing transplants to go into the ground up to two weeks later than the central region, often resulting in a continuous harvest well into the winter months.
Planting Methods: Seeds Versus Transplants
The method chosen for starting kale affects the exact timing on the planting calendar. Starting kale from seed requires a lead time of four to six weeks before the desired outdoor planting date. For the spring crop, this is typically done indoors to ensure seedlings are ready as soon as the soil is workable.
Using transplants offers a significant advantage, especially for the spring crop, by shortening the time needed in the garden. Transplants are already established and provide a head start beneficial for maximizing the spring harvest. Direct seeding is a viable option for the fall crop, where seeds can be sown directly into the prepared garden bed once summer heat subsides.
Essential Care and Harvesting
Successful kale cultivation depends on providing the right environment. Kale prefers rich, well-draining soil, which should be amended with compost or well-rotted manure before planting. Consistent moisture is necessary, requiring about one to one-and-a-half inches of water per week, especially during dry spells.
The plants benefit from a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 formulation, applied at planting time. Follow this with a nitrogen-rich feeding every four to six weeks to encourage abundant leafy growth. To maximize the yield, use the “cut and come again” harvesting method once the leaves reach the size of your hand. This involves cutting off the oldest, outermost leaves while leaving the central growing point intact, which promotes new growth and extends the harvest season.