Planting Guides

When to Plant Kale in Miami: Complete Guide + Best Varieties for Zone 10b

Miami, Florida

USDA Zone 10b

Last updated: October 30, 2025

Learn when to plant kale in Miami with specific dates for Zone 10b. Compare 5 varieties, get a complete timeline, and discover which kale grow best in Florida.

MMaria Santos

October 30, 2025

Lacinato kale growing in Miami Zone 10b winter garden with palm trees in background — — Image © PlantReference.org 2026

Quick Answer

Plant kale in Miami from October through January for winter harvest. Temperatures above 80°F cause bolting and bitterness.

TL;DR

Plant kale in Miami from October through January for winter harvest in Zone 10b. Lacinato and Red Russian varieties handle heat stress best. Avoid summer planting—temperatures above 80°F cause rapid bolting and bitter leaves. Harvest from November through March during Miami's ideal 60-75°F winter weather.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I start kale seeds indoors in Miami?

Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before your planned outdoor planting date. For October planting, start seeds in late August. Use grow lights since Miami's limited winter daylight isn't sufficient for strong seedling development. Transplant seedlings when outdoor temperatures consistently stay below 85°F at night, typically in early October.

Can I grow kale year-round in Miami like other warm-climate vegetables?

No, kale cannot handle Miami's summer temperatures above 80°F. Unlike heat-tolerant crops such as okra or peppers, kale is a cool-season brassica that requires temperatures below 80°F for quality production. Attempt summer growing only results in rapid bolting and bitter, tough leaves. Focus your energy on maximizing the October-March window for best results.

Which kale varieties handle Miami's heat and humidity best?

Brassica oleracea 'Lacinato' consistently performs best in Miami conditions due to its thick, waxy leaves that resist heat stress. Brassica oleracea 'Vates' shows excellent bolt resistance for late-season plantings. Avoid thin-leafed varieties like Brassica oleracea 'Red Russian' for plantings after November, as they become stressed quickly in Miami's warm winter temperatures.

How do I prevent my kale from bolting too early in Miami?

Plant early enough in fall (October-November) to allow full plant development before warm weather triggers bolting. Provide afternoon shade during Miami's warmer winter days above 80°F. Choose bolt-resistant varieties like Brassica oleracea 'Vates' for December or January plantings. Harvest entire plants immediately when flower buds first appear—waiting even 2-3 days results in bitter leaves.

What's the biggest mistake Miami gardeners make with kale?

Planting too late in the season. Many gardeners attempt January or February plantings expecting northern-style spring crops. Miami's rapid warming in March doesn't allow sufficient time for quality harvest. Plant in October for December-February harvest—this timing maximizes your production window before heat stress begins. Late plantings invariably bolt before reaching useful size.

How do I protect kale from Miami's frequent winter rains?

Ensure excellent drainage by planting in raised beds with 4-6 inches of amended soil above ground level. Never plant directly in Miami's sandy native soil, which creates waterlogged conditions during rainy periods. Space plants slightly wider than northern recommendations (15 inches instead of 12 inches) to improve air circulation. Apply organic mulch but keep it 2 inches away from plant stems to prevent fungal issues.

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Tagged with

#kale planting Miami #Zone 10b vegetables #Miami winter gardening #subtropical kale growing #Florida cool season crops #Miami container gardening #bolt-resistant kale varieties #Miami raised bed gardening #South Florida vegetable timing #Miami pest management

Written By

Maria Santos

Maria is a tropical plant grower in Miami who maintains a half-acre property packed with palms, fruit trees, and tropical ornamentals. She grew up in Puerto Rico surrounded by tropical plants and moved to South Florida for college, earning a biology degree. Maria worked at a major tropical botanic garden for several years before transitioning to freelance writing and consulting. She specializes in tropical fruit growing, hurricane-resilient landscaping, and the particular challenges of gardening in South Florida—salt air, limestone soil, intense rain, and the threat of tropical storms. Maria's practical about the realities of tropical gardening: it's not paradise if you don't understand what you're dealing with.