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When to plant Kale in Volusia County, FL

Plant Kale in Volusia County from January 13 to February 3 in spring. Volusia County sits in USDA Zone 9b, with last frost around February 3 and first frost on December 21. A second sowing from October 26 to November 9 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Kale in Volusia 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.

Volusia County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 3 and the first fall frost is December 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 321 days.

At an elevation of 382 feet, Volusia County receives approximately 54.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 95°F, so Kale may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. 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.

Volusia County, FL (Zone 9b) Year-round
321 days
Last Spring Frost February 3
321 growing days
First Fall Frost December 21

Volusia County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Kale Planting Timeline — Volusia County, FL

Kale Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 6 Jan 6 – Jan 20
Transplant Outdoors February 3 Feb 3 – Feb 17
Direct Sow January 13 Jan 13 – Feb 3
Harvest March 31 Mar 31 – May 26
Fall Sowing October 26 Oct 26 – Nov 9

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

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 9b

📆 Growing Season

321 days in Volusia County

Growing Tips for Volusia 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 Volusia County, FL?

Volusia County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 3. Plan your Kale planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Volusia County, FL?

Volusia County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 3 and first fall frost is December 21.

When should I plant Kale in Volusia County, FL?

In Volusia County, FL, plant Kale after the last frost (around February 3) and before the first frost (around December 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Volusia County, FL for Kale?

Volusia County sits in USDA Zone 9b. Kale grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Kale grow in Volusia County's climate?

Yes — Kale grows well in Volusia County's temperate climate. Volusia County averages a 322-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 3 and first frost around December 21.

🌱

Your Volusia County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Volusia 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.

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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 Volusia County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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