Cool-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Kale in Georgia

The toughest green in the garden. Kale laughs at frost and actually tastes sweeter after a cold snap.

The Short Answer

Kale is Georgia's most reliable cool-season green, producing from October through March in the Piedmont and even longer in the mountains. The crop's frost tolerance means it keeps producing long after lettuce has bolted and spinach has gone to seed.

Georgia Frost Dates

Your planting dates depend on which part of Georgia you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
North Georgia Mountains 6b, 7a Apr 5 - Apr 20 Oct 10 - Oct 25
Central Georgia 7b, 8a Mar 15 - Apr 1 Nov 1 - Nov 15
South Georgia 8a, 8b, 9a Feb 28 - Mar 15 Nov 10 - Nov 25

Kale Planting Schedule for Georgia

North Georgia Mountains (Zones 6b, 7a)

Average last frost: Apr 5 - Apr 20 · Average first frost: Oct 10 - Oct 25

Start Seeds Indoors
4 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
3 wks before frost
Direct Sow
4 wks before frost
Fall Planting
8 wks before first frost

Central Georgia (Zones 7b, 8a)

Average last frost: Mar 15 - Apr 1 · Average first frost: Nov 1 - Nov 15

Start Seeds Indoors
4 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
3 wks before frost
Direct Sow
4 wks before frost
Fall Planting
8 wks before first frost

South Georgia (Zones 8a, 8b, 9a)

Average last frost: Feb 28 - Mar 15 · Average first frost: Nov 10 - Nov 25

Start Seeds Indoors
4 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
3 wks before frost
Direct Sow
4 wks before frost
Fall Planting
8 wks before first frost

Growing Kale in Georgia

State-Specific Growing Tips

Mountains: direct sow March through September. Piedmont: transplant from September, harvest through winter and into spring. South Georgia: transplant October through November. Kale handles Georgia's lightest frosts and actually tastes sweeter after cold exposure. In Piedmont clay, kale grows well with standard amendment.

Recommended Varieties for Georgia

Lacinato for cooking. Red Russian for salads and visual beauty. Winterbor for curl and cold hardiness. UGA Extension includes kale in its cool-season vegetable recommendations.

Common Challenges in Georgia

Aphids, cabbage worms, and harlequin bugs. Less pest pressure in winter than during warm months. Bolting when spring temperatures climb.

Growing Tips

Harvest outer leaves first, leaving the center to keep growing. Can survive temperatures down to 10°F with mulch protection.

Companion Planting

Plant kale alongside these companions for better growth:

Beets Celery Herbs Onions

Keep kale away from:

Strawberries Tomatoes

The Bottom Line

Kale can be grown successfully in Georgia with proper attention to regional frost dates and local growing conditions. Timing varies across the state — North Georgia Mountains gardeners work with a last frost around Apr 5 - Apr 20, while South Georgia sees frost end around Feb 28 - Mar 15. Choose varieties suited to your region, amend your soil based on its specific needs, and monitor for the pests and diseases most common in your area. For exact dates based on your zip code, use our free planting date finder.

Related Guides

Kale Growing Guide National planting guide with all states Georgia Planting Calendar All plants for Georgia Kale in Alabama Alabama planting dates Kale in Alaska Alaska planting dates Kale in Arizona Arizona planting dates Kale in Arkansas Arkansas planting dates
Note: All dates are based on NOAA 30-year Climate Normals and represent historical averages, not predictions for any specific year. Always check your local weather forecast before planting frost-sensitive crops. Learn about our data sources.

Last reviewed: March 29, 2026

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