Planting Guides
When to Plant Kale in Memphis: Complete Guide + Best Varieties for Zone 7b
Memphis, Tennessee
USDA Zone 7b
Last Frost: Apr 5
Last updated: October 30, 2025
Plant kale in Memphis August 15-31 for fall harvest or February 15-March 15 for spring. Zone 7b's hot summers require cool-season timing for best results.
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Quick Answer
Plant kale in Memphis August 15-31 for fall harvest or February 15-March 15 for spring crops. Fall planting produces superior flavor and overwinters successfully.
TL;DR
Memphis kale thrives with fall planting August 15-31 for winter harvest. Spring planting February 15-March 15 works but requires early harvest before summer heat. Fall crops develop superior flavor after first frost and can overwinter in Zone 7b with light protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant kale in Memphis for the best harvest?
Plant kale in Memphis August 15-31 for superior fall and winter harvests. This timing allows plants to mature before first frost (October 31) and develop maximum sweetness after cold exposure. Spring planting February 15-March 15 works but produces inferior flavor and faces summer bolting challenges. Fall planting consistently outperforms spring in Memphis's Zone 7b climate.
Can kale survive Memphis winters without protection?
Yes, most kale varieties survive Memphis winters with minimal protection. Brassica oleracea 'Winterbor' and Brassica oleracea 'Redbor' tolerate temperatures down to 15°F (-9°C), which covers most Memphis winter lows. Light mulching around plants helps, but row covers or cold frames aren't necessary except during rare extreme cold snaps below 10°F (-12°C). Memphis kale often produces continuously through winter.
Why does my spring-planted kale turn bitter and flower in Memphis?
Spring kale bolts (flowers) when Memphis temperatures reach sustained 80°F+ (27°C), typically occurring in May. This triggers the plant's reproductive cycle, making leaves bitter and tough. The rapid temperature transition from cool spring to hot summer gives plants insufficient time to adapt. Focus on fall planting for Memphis success, or harvest spring crops aggressively by early May.
What kale varieties handle Memphis heat best?
Brassica oleracea 'Red Russian' offers the best heat tolerance and fastest maturity (50-60 days) for Memphis spring planting. Brassica oleracea 'Lacinato' also shows good heat resistance compared to curly varieties. However, no kale variety truly thrives in Memphis summer heat above 85°F (29°C). Plan for cool-season growing only, focusing efforts on excellent fall-through-spring harvests.
How do I prevent pest problems on Memphis kale?
Memphis kale faces pressure from harlequin bugs, cabbage loopers, and aphids due to our mild winters and humid conditions. Use floating row covers during establishment, apply Bt spray every 2 weeks for caterpillars, and encourage beneficial insects with diverse plantings. Hand-pick harlequin bugs since they resist organic sprays. Proper spacing for air circulation helps prevent fungal issues in our humid climate.
Can I grow kale year-round in Memphis containers?
Memphis container kale works well from October through April using succession planting every 4 weeks. Start fall plantings in large containers (minimum 5-gallon) with excellent drainage since Memphis clay soil doesn't suit containers. Provide afternoon shade during shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) to extend harvests. Avoid summer container growing due to heat stress and rapid soil drying.
How long can I harvest from one kale plant in Memphis?
Memphis fall-planted kale produces continuously for 4-6 months using cut-and-come-again harvesting. Plants established in August provide harvests from October through April before bolting in late spring. Remove outer leaves weekly while leaving the growing center intact. Spring plantings produce for 2-3 months before May heat triggers bolting.
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Written By
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Marcus Washington
Marcus manages the grounds at a historic property in Memphis and runs a side business doing residential garden design. He grew up helping his grandfather maintain a large vegetable garden in the Mississippi Delta and carried that knowledge into formal training—he has a degree in landscape technology. Memphis sits in a sweet spot for growing: long warm seasons, decent rainfall, and mild enough winters that many marginally hardy plants survive. Marcus writes about Southern gardening traditions, ornamental garden design, and dealing with the humidity and heavy rainfall that define the Mid-South climate.
