Planting Guides

When to Plant Kale in Austin: Complete Guide + Best Varieties for Zone 8b

Austin, Texas

USDA Zone 8b

Last Frost: Mar 1

Last updated: October 30, 2025

Learn when to plant kale in Austin with specific dates for Zone 8b. Compare 5 varieties, get complete timeline, discover which kale grows best in Texas.

CCarlos Mendez

October 30, 2025

Healthy kale plants growing in Austin Texas garden during optimal fall growing season for Zone 8b climate — — Image © PlantReference.org 2026

Quick Answer

Plant kale in Austin from mid-August through January for Zone 8b success. Avoid summer planting when temperatures exceed 80°F causing immediate bolting.

TL;DR

Austin's Zone 8b climate offers an exceptional 274-day growing season perfect for fall and winter kale production. Plant from mid-August through January for continuous harvest, avoiding summer's bolt-inducing heat. Lacinato and Red Russian varieties excel in Austin's mild winters, while spring plantings should finish harvest by mid-May before temperatures consistently exceed 80°F.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the latest I can plant kale in Austin?

Plant kale as late as January 15 in Austin for a spring harvest. Zone 8b's mild winters allow seeds to germinate slowly during January and February, then grow rapidly during March's warm-up. Choose fast-maturing Brassica oleracea 'Red Russian' for best results with late plantings, as it matures in just 50-60 days and handles Austin's early spring heat better than other varieties.

Can kale survive Austin's occasional hard freezes?

Yes, established kale easily survives Austin's typical freezes down to 20°F (-6°C). Mature plants become more cold-hardy as temperatures gradually decrease through winter. However, protect young seedlings planted after December with frost cloth during hard freezes. Austin averages only 1-3 hard freezes per winter, and most last just a few hours rather than multiple days.

Why does my spring-planted kale turn bitter in Austin?

Austin's rapid spring warm-up triggers premature bolting, causing bitter, tough leaves. When temperatures consistently exceed 80°F (27°C) in April and May, kale switches from vegetative growth to reproductive mode, producing flowers and bitter leaves. Plant spring kale by February 15 and harvest completely by mid-May to avoid this problem.

What's the best kale variety for Austin's hot climate?

Brassica oleracea 'Lacinato' performs best in Austin's Zone 8b climate due to superior heat tolerance and slow bolting characteristics. This Italian heirloom variety handles Austin's February and March temperature swings better than curly types, maintaining sweet flavor longer into spring. Its upright growth habit also resists wind damage during Austin's occasional strong weather fronts.

Should I start kale indoors or direct sow in Austin?

Direct sowing works best for Austin fall plantings (August-September) when soil stays warm for quick germination. Start transplants indoors for winter and spring plantings (October-February) when soil temperatures may be too cool for reliable germination. Austin's intense sun can stress young transplants, so harden them off gradually and provide afternoon shade for the first week after transplanting.

How do I prevent cabbage worms on kale in Austin?

Use floating row covers during peak moth activity (March-May and October-December) when white butterflies lay eggs on kale leaves. Austin's mild winters mean cabbage moths remain active longer than in colder climates. Apply Bt spray (Bacillus thuringiensis) every 7-10 days during peak seasons, focusing on leaf undersides where caterpillars feed. Remove covers during winter months when beneficial insects are active but moths are dormant.

Can I grow kale year-round in Austin?

Austin allows 8-9 months of kale production but not true year-round growing. Plant from August through January for harvest from October through May. Avoid summer planting (June-August) when temperatures consistently exceed 85°F (29°C), causing immediate bolting and poor quality leaves. Even heat-tolerant varieties fail in Austin's summer heat and humidity.

NEW PLANT DAILY

Think you know your plants?

Test your botanical knowledge with a new plant identification challenge every day. Build your streak, learn fascinating plant facts, and become a plant identification expert!

Build your streak

One chance per day

Learn as you play

Free account required • Takes less than 30 seconds

Tagged with

#kale planting Austin #Zone 8b kale #Austin gardening #Texas kale varieties #when to plant kale Texas #fall kale planting #winter gardening Austin #Lacinato kale Austin #kale growing guide #Austin vegetable gardening

Written By

Carlos Mendez

Carlos grew up helping his abuelos tend their backyard garden in San Antonio, Texas, but didn't get serious about growing his own food until he bought his first house in Austin. He works as an HVAC technician during the day and gardens in the early mornings and evenings. Carlos specializes in heat-tolerant vegetables and container growing—essential skills for Texas summers and his south-facing driveway that gets intense sun. He's learned through plenty of failures (multiple dead fig trees, countless bolted lettuce crops) and now helps neighbors troubleshoot their own gardens. His YouTube channel documenting his container tomato experiments has a small but dedicated following. Carlos is passionate about growing food on a budget, often sourcing free containers and building his own compost.