When to plant Kale in Five Points, CA
In Five Points, plant Kale in spring between February 9 and March 2, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Five Points's last frost averages March 2, so aim for a steady week of warm soil before planting. For a fall crop, sow between September 28 and October 12 — roughly 50–70 days before the first frost on November 23.
When to Plant Kale in Five Points, CA
What to do in August
Each item below is timed to Fresno County, California's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
September prep starts now
- Fall sowing: kale
Kale is an exceptionally hardy, nutrient-dense green available in curly, lacinato, and Russian varieties. It tolerates heavy frost and often tastes sweeter after cold exposure.
Five Points, California is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is March 2 and the first fall frost is November 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 266 days.
At an elevation of 2,276 feet, Fresno County receives approximately 14.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 100°F, so Kale may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Kale successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Five Points Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.5
Drainage
Well Drained
Kale Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Five Points
How your county's soil matches Kale's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.5–7.5) is within Kale's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Fresno County is excellent for Kale — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.2%). Annual compost additions will help Kale.
How to Plant Kale
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Kale
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 14 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 28.
Kale Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Kale
Kale needs approximately 0.8 inches of water per week (3.5" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Kale Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 3.5" | 2.3" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 3.5" | 1" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 3.5" | 0.4" | 3.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 3.5" | 0.1" | 3.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 3.5" | 0" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 3.5" | 0" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 3.5" | 0.2" | 3.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 3.5" | 0.6" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 3.5" | 1.3" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Fresno County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Kale Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Kale Planting Timeline — Five Points, CA
Kale Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 2 | Feb 2 – Feb 16 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 2 | Mar 2 – Mar 16 |
| Direct Sow | February 9 | Feb 9 – Mar 2 |
| Harvest | April 27 | Apr 27 – Jun 22 |
| Fall Sowing | September 28 | Sep 28 – Oct 12 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.8"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
266 days in Fresno County
Growing Tips for Kale in Five Points
Direct sow Kale outdoors after March 02 in Fresno County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Summer highs in Fresno County reach 100°F — grow Kale as a spring or fall crop. Use shade cloth if planting in summer.
Common pests for Kale in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Direct sow or transplant in early spring or late summer. Harvest outer leaves first to keep plants productive. Kale overwinters in many climates and can provide greens all year.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Isolate 1/2 mile from other brassicas (broccoli, cabbage, etc.) — they all cross.
Kale in Other Locations
When should I plant Kale in Five Points, CA?
In Five Points, CA, plant Kale after the last frost (around March 2) and before the first frost (around November 23). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Five Points, CA for Kale?
Five Points sits in USDA Zone 9b. Kale grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Kale grow in Five Points's climate?
Yes — Kale grows well in Five Points's temperate climate. Five Points averages a 266-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 2 and first frost around November 23.
Your Fresno County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Fresno County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.