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When to plant Kale in Hendry County, FL

Plant Kale in Hendry County, when soil hits 50°F — usually December 24. Continue planting through January 14 for the spring crop. A second sowing from February 18 to March 4 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Kale in Hendry County, FL

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.

Hendry County, Florida is in USDA Zone 10a. The average last spring frost is January 14 and the first fall frost is April 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 91 days.

At an elevation of 403 feet, Hendry County receives approximately 55.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Kale during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Kale will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Kale root diseases.

Hendry County, FL (Zone 10a) Very short season
91 days
Last Spring Frost January 14
91 growing days
First Fall Frost April 15

Hendry County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

5-5.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Kale

Kale needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Kale Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" 💧 Light watering
Feb 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" 💧 Light watering
Mar 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 7.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 9.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 6.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 4.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Nov 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Jan–Oct in Hendry County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Kale Planting Timeline — Hendry County, FL

Kale Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors December 17 Dec 17 – Dec 31
Transplant Outdoors January 14 Jan 14 – Jan 28
Direct Sow December 24 Dec 24 – Jan 14
Harvest March 11 Mar 11 – May 6
Fall Sowing February 18 Feb 18 – Mar 4

Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
February Fall Sowing
March Fall Sowing Harvest
April Harvest
May Harvest
June
July
August
September
October
November
December Start Indoors Direct Sow

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

50–70 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 10a

📆 Growing Season

91 days in Hendry County

Growing Tips for Hendry County

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

  • Strawberries
  • Tomatoes

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

🌾 Save Your Own Kale Seeds
Life Cycle Biennial
Pollination Cross-Pollinated (insects)
How to Collect Allow 2nd year flower stalks to dry. Harvest pods when tan.
Storage Store airtight; viable 5 years at 35°F, under 50% humidity.

Isolate 1/2 mile from other brassicas (broccoli, cabbage, etc.) — they all cross.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Kale in Hendry County, FL?

Hendry County is in Zone 10a with an average last frost of January 14. Plan your Kale planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Hendry County, FL?

Hendry County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 10a. The average last spring frost is January 14 and first fall frost is .

When should I plant Kale in Hendry County, FL?

In Hendry County, FL, plant Kale after the last frost (around January 1) and before the first frost (around December 31). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Hendry County, FL for Kale?

Hendry County sits in USDA Zone 10a. Kale grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Kale grow in Hendry County's climate?

Yes — Kale grows well in Hendry County's temperate climate. Hendry County averages a 365-day frost-free season, with last frost around January 1 and first frost around December 31.

🌱

Your Hendry County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Hendry County (Zone 10a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Hendry County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.