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When to Plant Kale in Lamar County, TX

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.

Lamar County, Texas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 15 and the first fall frost is November 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 245 days.

At an elevation of 95 feet, Lamar County receives approximately 59.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 91Β°F, providing good warmth for Kale during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring β€” great for early planting β€” 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.

Lamar County, TX (Zone 7b) Long season
245 days
Last Spring Frost March 15
245 growing days
First Fall Frost November 15

Lamar County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

5.8-6.8

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 β€” 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb β€” 2.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" πŸ’§ Light watering
Apr 4.3" 6.8" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 8.8" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 9.7" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 8" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 7.1" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 5.3" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" πŸ’§ Light watering
Nov 4.3" 2.2" 2.1" πŸ’§ Light watering
Dec β€” 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Lamar County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall β€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Kale Planting Timeline β€” Lamar County, TX

Kale Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 8 Feb 8 – Feb 22
Transplant Outdoors March 15 Mar 15 – Mar 29
Direct Sow March 1 Mar 1 – Mar 22
Harvest May 10 May 10 – Jul 5
Fall Sowing September 6 Sep 6 – Sep 20

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

β˜€οΈ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

πŸ’§ Water

Moderate β€” regular watering

πŸ“… Days to Maturity

50–70 days

πŸ§ͺ Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 Β· Your soil: N/A

πŸ—ΊοΈ USDA Zone

Zone 7b

πŸ“† Growing Season

245 days in Lamar County

Growing Tips for Lamar 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 35Β°F, under 50% humidity.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Kale in Lamar County, TX?

Lamar County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 15. Plan your Kale planting based on this frost date β€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Lamar County, TX?

Lamar County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 15 and first fall frost is November 15.

🌱

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner β€” designed to help Lamar County gardeners in Zone 7b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

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