Planting dates
Texas A&M places kale in the cool season: early spring or late fall. Its crop guide gives conditions rather than one statewide day. Direct-sow in spring when the seed zone is above 50°F and in fall when it is below 100°F.
Texas A&M: Collards/Kale crop guideYour region
Texas covers very different climates, so this page does not manufacture a statewide calendar date. Use the soil condition and seasonal direction, then check a county Extension calendar if you need a local planning range.
Texas A&M: Collards/Kale crop guideHow to plant
Texas A&M lists direct seeding at one-quarter inch deep. Its greens guide says to thin kale to 1 foot apart. Keep the bed well drained; the crop guide describes deep, fertile soil with good drainage.
Texas A&M: Collards/Kale crop guideKeep kale in its temperature range
Texas A&M lists 60°F to 65°F as the best monthly average range and says kale does not tolerate monthly averages much above 70°F. Kale can withstand freezing temperatures better than many greens, but warm conditions still change the planting decision.
Texas A&M: Collards/Kale crop guideChoose your next step
Spring soil is still below 50°F
Wait for the seed-zone condition rather than planting to meet an arbitrary date.Fall soil remains very hot
Wait until the seed zone is below 100°F before direct sowing kale.You want a local calendar date
Use your county Extension calendar alongside these statewide crop conditions.Planting questions
Can kale tolerate a freeze?
Texas A&M says kale can withstand temperatures below freezing and is more cold-tolerant than many greens.
Texas A&M: Spinach and other greensHow deep should kale seed be planted?
Texas A&M lists direct seeding at one-quarter inch deep.
Texas A&M: Collards/Kale crop guideHow far apart should kale plants be?
Texas A&M’s greens guide says to thin kale plants to 1 foot apart.
Texas A&M: Spinach and other greens