When to Plant Kale in Tulare County, CA
April in the garden — Tulare County, California
A quick April briefing for Tulare County, California gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
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Start harvesting kale
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
Get ahead of May
- First harvests: 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.
Tulare County, California is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 17 and the first fall frost is December 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 289 days.
At an elevation of 5,836 feet, Tulare County receives approximately 18.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 95°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.
Tulare County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
5.9-7.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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 Tulare County
How your county's soil matches Kale's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.9–7.2) overlaps with Kale's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Tulare County is excellent for Kale — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). 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 24 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 08.
Plant 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 | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 3.5" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 3.5" | 3" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 3.5" | 1.5" | 2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 3.5" | 0.5" | 3" | 🚿 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" | 0.7" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 3.5" | 1.7" | 1.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | 3.5" | 3.4" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Tulare 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 — Tulare County, CA
Kale Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 20 | Jan 20 – Feb 3 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 17 | Feb 17 – Mar 3 |
| Direct Sow | January 27 | Jan 27 – Feb 17 |
| Harvest | April 14 | Apr 14 – Jun 9 |
| Fall Sowing | October 8 | Oct 8 – Oct 22 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| February | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
289 days in Tulare County
Growing Tips for Kale in Tulare County
Direct sow Kale outdoors after February 17 in Tulare County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Summer highs in Tulare County reach 95°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
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Kale in Tulare County, CA?
Tulare County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 17. Plan your Kale planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Tulare County, CA?
Tulare County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 17 and first fall frost is December 3.
Your Tulare County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Tulare County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.