When to Plant Kale in Willacy 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.
Willacy County, Texas is in USDA Zone 10a. The average last spring frost is February 4 and the first fall frost is December 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 321 days.
At an elevation of 1,085 feet, Willacy County receives approximately 65.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 102°F, so Kale may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Kale root diseases.
Willacy County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.3
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 | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 4.3" | 2.3" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 6.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 9.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 9.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 8.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 6.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2.6" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | 4.3" | 1.8" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Willacy County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Kale Planting Timeline — Willacy County, TX
Kale Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 7 | Jan 7 – Jan 21 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 4 | Feb 4 – Feb 18 |
| Direct Sow | January 14 | Jan 14 – Feb 4 |
| Harvest | April 1 | Apr 1 – May 27 |
| Fall Sowing | October 27 | Oct 27 – Nov 10 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| February | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | — |
| 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 10a
📆 Growing Season
321 days in Willacy County
Growing Tips for Willacy 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
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 Willacy County, TX?
Willacy County is in Zone 10a with an average last frost of February 4. Plan your Kale planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Willacy County, TX?
Willacy County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 10a. The average last spring frost is February 4 and first fall frost is December 22.
Your Willacy County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Willacy 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.