PlantingWindowThe American Planting Almanac

When to plant kale in Dallas, Texas

February 9 – February 23

Direct-sow outdoors · typical Dallas year

Climate basis: NOAA station Dallas Love Fld, TX (USW00013960), 5 mi (9 km) from downtown Dallas (ZCTA 75201 centroid), elevation 440 ft, on the 1991–2020 climate normals. Direct-sow kale from approximately the dates above, anchored to the median last spring 32°F freeze (March 2). One year in ten still freezes after March 19.

Last spring freezeMarch 21-in-10 after Mar 19
First fall freezeNovember 291-in-10 before Nov 10
Frost-free season≈ 272 daysmedian at 32°F
Hard freeze, 28°Feb 18 – Dec 12kills even hardy greens
USDA zone8b15 to 20°F winter low — not frost timing

The Dallas year

Direct-sow outdoorsFeb 9 – Feb 23
Fall plantingOct 4 – Nov 1
  • indoors under lights
  • in the garden
  • frost-free season
  • 1-in-10 years still freeze to Mar 19
Kale in Dallas · freeze context from Dallas Love Fld, TX, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Direct-sow outdoors

Feb 9 – Feb 23

Purdue: hardy — 4–6 weeks before the last frost; Penn State's earliest sowing Apr 10 (−21 days) is the later start and is used. Anchored to the median last spring freeze (Mar 2). Penn State Extension (York County Master Gardeners) · Purdue University Extension

Fall planting

Oct 4 – Nov 1

Purdue Table 2: plant fall kale at least 4–8 weeks before the first fall frost. Anchored to the median first fall freeze (Nov 29). Purdue University Extension

Variety assumption: Assumes an average curly variety (about 50–65 days; Penn State lists 60).

These windows describe typical years (1991–2020 climate normals), not this year's forecast. Freezes happen outside them — especially in frost pockets, valleys, and urban edges. Watch the forecast before committing tender plants.

This week, not a typical year:
Crop rule sources (2)

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