When to Plant Kale in Hawaii
The toughest green in the garden. Kale laughs at frost and actually tastes sweeter after a cold snap.
The Short Answer
Hawaii Frost Dates
Your planting dates depend on which part of Hawaii you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:
| Region | Zones | Last Frost (Spring) | First Frost (Fall) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coastal Hawaii | 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b, 13a | None | None |
| Upcountry/Mountain | 10a, 10b, 11a | Rare | Rare |
Kale Planting Schedule for Hawaii
Coastal Hawaii (Zones 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b, 13a)
Average last frost: None · Average first frost: None
Upcountry/Mountain (Zones 10a, 10b, 11a)
Average last frost: Rare · Average first frost: Rare
Growing Kale in Hawaii
Kale in Hawaii's Climate
Grow kale from November through February. The window is shorter than in moderate climates but productive. Kale handles Florida's occasional frost better than most cool-season crops. Once spring temperatures climb consistently above 80°F, kale bolts and becomes bitter.
Soil Considerations for Hawaii
Volcanic soils — extremely fertile but can be acidic. Excellent drainage on slopes. Varies dramatically by island and elevation.
Hawaii Climate & Growing Season
Tropical. Year-round growing season at lower elevations. Elevation creates microclimates. Plant warm-season crops anytime. Kale can handle frost well, which is an advantage in Hawaii's climate. You can push planting dates earlier in spring and extend into fall.
Growing season length varies across Hawaii: Coastal Hawaii (11a, 11b, 12a, 12b, 13a) has a last frost around None, while Upcountry/Mountain (10a, 10b, 11a) sees frost end around Rare. This difference matters for kale — adjust your planting dates to match your specific region.
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:
Keep kale away from:
The Bottom Line
Last reviewed: March 29, 2026