Growing Guide: Kale — Bay Area (USDA Zones 9–10)

Growing Guide: Kale — Bay Area (USDA Zones 9–10)

Overview

Kale thrives in cool weather and sweetens after a chill. In much of the Bay Area it can produce nearly year‑round with staggered sowings.

When to plant (USDA 9–10)

• Transplant: best in late winter–spring (Feb–Apr) and again in fall (Sep–Oct), with edge flexibility in May/Nov.

• Direct sow: Mar–Apr and Sep–Oct, with possible edge months depending on microclimate.

Site & soil

• Full sun to light afternoon shade inland; full sun near coast.

• Fertile, well‑drained soil; steady moisture for tender leaves.

Sowing & spacing

• Sow ½ in deep; thin or transplant to 12–18 in apart.

• For baby kale, broadcast thicker and cut young.

Water & feeding

• Keep soil evenly moist; mulch to moderate heat and conserve water.

• Light nitrogen boosts leafy growth; avoid excess for sturdier plants.

Harvest

• Begin with baby leaves at 25–30 days; harvest outer leaves regularly to keep plants producing.

Pest & disease watch

• Imported cabbageworm and cabbage looper: chew holes; handpick, use row cover, and scout for white butterflies.

• Rotate brassicas yearly to reduce pest and disease buildup.

“GrowBot did some digging: for sweetest leaves, give kale a light chill—fall sowings in the Bay Area often taste best by mid‑winter.”

Want a Sunset‑zone matrix, weekly tasks, and cultivar picks (Lacinato vs. Dwarf Blue Curled) tuned to your microclimate? The Kale Masterclass drops soon.