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When to plant Kale in Martin County, FL

Martin County's spring Kale window runs January 4 through January 25. aim for a steady week of warm soil before planting. A second sowing from October 18 to November 1 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Kale in Martin 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.

Martin County, Florida is in USDA Zone 10b. The average last spring frost is January 25 and the first fall frost is December 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 322 days.

At an elevation of 80 feet, Martin County receives approximately 56.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 88°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.

Martin County, FL (Zone 10b) Year-round
322 days
Last Spring Frost January 25
322 growing days
First Fall Frost December 13

Martin County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

5.1-5.7

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" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
Feb 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Mar 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 2.3" 2" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 8.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 7.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 8.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 8.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 2.2" 2.1" 💧 Light watering
Dec 4.3" 2.1" 2.2" 🚿 Regular watering

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

Kale Planting Timeline — Martin County, FL

Kale Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors December 28 Dec 28 – Jan 11
Transplant Outdoors January 25 Jan 25 – Feb 8
Direct Sow January 4 Jan 4 – Jan 25
Harvest March 22 Mar 22 – May 17
Fall Sowing October 18 Oct 18 – Nov 1

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

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 10b

📆 Growing Season

322 days in Martin County

Growing Tips for Martin 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 Martin County, FL?

Martin County is in Zone 10b with an average last frost of January 25. Plan your Kale planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Martin County, FL?

Martin County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 10b. The average last spring frost is January 25 and first fall frost is December 13.

When should I plant Kale in Martin County, FL?

In Martin County, FL, plant Kale after the last frost (around January 25) and before the first frost (around December 13). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Martin County, FL for Kale?

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

Can Kale grow in Martin County's climate?

Yes — Kale grows well in Martin County's temperate climate. Martin County averages a 323-day frost-free season, with last frost around January 25 and first frost around December 13.

🌱

Your Martin County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Martin County (Zone 10b). 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 Martin County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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