Planting Guides

When to Plant Kale in Houston: Complete Guide + Best Varieties for Zone 9a

Houston, Texas

USDA Zone 9a

Last Frost: Feb 15

Last updated: October 30, 2025

Learn when to plant kale in Houston with specific dates for Zone 9a. Compare 5 varieties, get a complete timeline, and discover which kale grow best in Texas.

AAisha Patel

October 30, 2025

Healthy kale plants growing in Houston Zone 9a garden with city skyline visible in background during cool season — — Image © PlantReference.org 2026

Quick Answer

Plant kale in Houston from mid-October through January for continuous winter harvest. Start fall transplants September 1st indoors, direct sow October 15th outdoors.

TL;DR

Houston kale thrives from October through April in Zone 9a. Plant seeds directly in mid-October for winter harvest, or start transplants in early September. Houston's long cool season allows 8 months of continuous harvest while summer heat makes May-September unsuitable for growing.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant kale in Houston for the best harvest?

Plant kale in Houston from mid-October through January for optimal results. Fall plantings produce superior flavor because Houston's mild winter frosts convert starches to sugars, creating sweet, tender leaves. Start transplants indoors in early September when it's still too hot outside, then transplant in October when temperatures drop below 85°F (29°C) consistently.

Can I grow kale year-round in Houston?

Houston's Zone 9a climate allows 8 months of kale growing from October through May, but not true year-round production. Summer temperatures above 85°F (29°C) cause immediate bolting and bitter flavor. Focus on fall through spring growing when Houston provides ideal cool-season conditions. The May through September period is unsuitable for kale cultivation.

Which kale varieties work best in Houston's climate?

Brassica oleracea 'Lacinato' performs best in Houston due to superior heat tolerance for spring growing. Brassica oleracea 'Red Russian' offers the fastest maturity for quick spring crops before heat arrives. Brassica oleracea 'Winterbor' excels for winter production, improving in flavor during Houston's mild freezes. Choose bolt-resistant varieties for any spring plantings.

Why does my Houston kale bolt so quickly in spring?

Houston's unpredictable spring weather causes rapid bolting when temperatures jump suddenly from 70°F to 85°F+ (21°C to 29°C+). Kale bolts when exposed to sustained heat above 80°F (27°C). Plant earlier (February transplants) or provide afternoon shade during March-April. Choose bolt-resistant varieties like Brassica oleracea 'Lacinato' for better spring performance.

How do I prevent pest problems on kale in Houston?

Cabbage worms are Houston's biggest kale pest due to year-round butterfly activity. Apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray every 7-10 days when white butterflies are present. Use row covers for fall plantings but monitor for overheating during Houston's warm October days. Check weekly for aphids on leaf undersides and treat with strong water spray or insecticidal soap.

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Written By

Aisha Patel

Aisha manages a small tropical nursery on the east side of Houston, specializing in plants that can handle the Gulf Coast's humidity, heat, and unpredictable flooding. She studied horticulture in college and worked at a wholesale grower before opening her own operation. Growing up, her parents kept a kitchen garden with okra, bitter gourd, and curry leaf plants—a tradition she's continued. Houston's subtropical climate lets her grow things most of the country can't, but it also means dealing with fungal issues, standing water, and summers where it's too hot for even tomatoes. Aisha writes about tropical and subtropical plant care, humidity management, and working with heavy clay soils.