FrostCal

When to Plant Kale in Louisiana

In a typical Louisiana location, sow outdoors Jan 21 – Feb 4. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Dec 27 in Metairie and as late as Feb 17 in Minden. For a fall crop, plant around Sep 25 – Oct 9.

Method Direct sow
Days to maturity 50–65 days

Cold-hardy; direct sow 2-4 weeks before last frost or start indoors for earlier transplants.

Kale Planting Dates by City

CityDirect sowFall planting
New OrleansJan 4 – Jan 18Oct 22 – Nov 5
Baton RougeJan 31 – Feb 14Sep 17 – Oct 1
ShreveportJan 31 – Feb 14Sep 15 – Sep 29
MetairieDec 27 – Jan 10Oct 24 – Nov 7
LafayetteJan 16 – Jan 30Sep 25 – Oct 9
Lake CharlesJan 17 – Jan 31Sep 28 – Oct 12
Bossier CityJan 31 – Feb 14Sep 15 – Sep 29
KennerJan 2 – Jan 16Oct 22 – Nov 5
MonroeFeb 8 – Feb 22Sep 6 – Sep 20
AlexandriaJan 30 – Feb 13Sep 18 – Oct 2
HoumaJan 8 – Jan 22Oct 8 – Oct 22
MarreroDec 27 – Jan 10Oct 24 – Nov 7
New IberiaJan 13 – Jan 27Oct 2 – Oct 16
LaplaceJan 12 – Jan 26Oct 5 – Oct 19
CentralJan 28 – Feb 11Sep 17 – Oct 1
SlidellJan 27 – Feb 10Sep 22 – Oct 6
PrairievilleJan 12 – Jan 26Oct 4 – Oct 18
TerrytownJan 4 – Jan 18Oct 22 – Nov 5
RustonFeb 11 – Feb 25Sep 7 – Sep 21
HammondFeb 8 – Feb 22Sep 10 – Sep 24
HarveyJan 4 – Jan 18Oct 22 – Nov 5
SulphurFeb 2 – Feb 16Sep 16 – Sep 30
Bayou CaneJan 8 – Jan 22Oct 8 – Oct 22
ShenandoahJan 31 – Feb 14Sep 17 – Oct 1
NatchitochesJan 31 – Feb 14Sep 22 – Oct 6
GretnaJan 4 – Jan 18Oct 22 – Nov 5
ChalmetteJan 13 – Jan 27Oct 8 – Oct 22
OpelousasJan 31 – Feb 14Sep 14 – Sep 28
ZacharyJan 28 – Feb 11Sep 17 – Oct 1
EstelleJan 13 – Jan 27Oct 3 – Oct 17

Showing the 30 most populous of 66 Louisiana cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Louisiana cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant kale in Louisiana?

In a typical Louisiana location, sow outdoors Jan 21 – Feb 4. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Dec 27 in Metairie and as late as Feb 17 in Minden. For a fall crop, plant around Sep 25 – Oct 9.

When is the last frost in Louisiana?

The average last spring frost in Louisiana ranges from January 24 in Metairie to March 17 in Minden, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals.

How long do kale take to grow?

Kale typically take 50–65 days from planting to harvest. Cold-hardy; direct sow 2-4 weeks before last frost or start indoors for earlier transplants.

Other Crops in Louisiana

When to plant kale in other states

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