Why Can't I Grow Kale in the Summer Florida Heat?
Asked by GreenThumb28
I'm curious about planting kale in Florida during the summer. I just started some Georgia collards, and I want to know why kale can't be planted like them. I've heard kale can be a perennial, so I wonder what the restrictions might be, especially with the heat here. Any advice on this?
Answers
Kale really is a cool weather crop. It prefers temps between 45°F and 75°F, so the heat in Georgia during summer can make it bolt. You could try starting it in the fall when it’s cooler around here!
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You're definitely not out of options! While you can plant kale in the summer, it really thrives in cooler temperatures. If it gets too hot, it tends to bolt and go to seed before reaching a good size. So, you might want to think about some shade or cooler spots when planting.
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I've had success growing kale here in the summer, but I keep it in partial shade. Full sun is tough on it, and I found it starts to seed well before it has a chance to grow large. So, definitely consider some shade!
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SunChaser21: Thanks for the heads up! I'll look for some shaded areas to try.