When should I plant kale in ZIP 32202?

In ZIP 32202, the main kale target is around Feb 15, based on the representative Jacksonville frost station and USDA zone 9a.

When should I start kale seeds indoors in 32202?

Start kale seeds indoors in ZIP 32202 around Jan 25, about 35 days before the Mar 1 last-frost estimate.

Is this a guaranteed planting date?

No. GrowZone uses frost-date estimates, hardiness zones, and crop timing rules for planning. Local microclimates and current weather can shift the right date.

ZIP 32202 planting calendar

When to plant kale in Jacksonville, FL - Zone 9a

Q: When is the first frost in Jacksonville?

Jacksonville (ZIP 32202) has an average first fall frost around Dec 5, leaving about 279 frost-free days.

In ZIP 32202, plant kale around Feb 15; this uses the Jacksonville frost station, USDA zone 9a, and kale timing rules.

Your Jacksonville calendar has a 279-day estimated frost-free season. This estimate uses the representative Jacksonville frost station, USDA zone 9a, and kale timing rules.

Source: jacksonville-intl frost station, USDA zone 9a, last updated 2026-06-28. Verify locally before planting high-value crops because microclimates, current weather, and yard exposure can move the safe date.

USDA zone 9a Jacksonville frost station University of Florida IFAS Extension Updated 2026-06-28

Read the method

Answer first

When to start kale seeds indoors in Jacksonville

In ZIP 32202, start kale seeds indoors around Jan 25, about 35 days before the Mar 1 last-frost estimate.

Start kale seeds indoors in Jacksonville around Jan 25, about 35 days before the Mar 1 last-frost estimate.

Seed starting schedule

Kale dates for Jacksonville, FL

Step	Date	How to use it
Start Indoors	January 25, 2026	Start seeds under lights or in a bright indoor seed-starting space.
Transplant Outdoors	February 15, 2026	Move hardened-off seedlings outside after the frost-risk window.
Direct Sow	February 8, 2026	Sow seed outside when the crop and soil can handle the window.

Last frost

When is the last frost in Jacksonville?

Jacksonville (ZIP 32202) has an average last spring frost around Mar 1.

First frost

When is the first frost in Jacksonville?

The average first fall frost is around Dec 5, giving about 279 frost-free days.

Season map

Kale windows by month

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Start indoors

Jan 25

Direct sow

Feb 8

Transplant

Feb 15

Harvest

Apr 16

Frost watch

Oct 6

Reminder workflow

Every date has a next action

Start kale indoorsJan 25

Direct sow kaleFeb 8

Transplant kaleFeb 15

Last frost windowMar 1

First kale harvest windowApr 16

Last kale sowing targetOct 6

Signal	Value	Why it matters
Last frost estimate	March 1, 2026	Warm-season transplant risk starts falling after this window.
First frost estimate	December 5, 2026	Fall planting counts backward from this date.
Season length	279 days	Longer seasons can support succession crops.
Spacing	12-18 in	Airflow and root space affect yield.
Soil temperature	45 F+	Seeds and transplants stall in cold soil.

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Local data

Why this date changes by ZIP

Jacksonville frost history and USDA zone 9a shift the safe planting window. GrowZone uses a local representative station instead of one national rule.

University of Florida IFAS Extension is the kind of local source to verify against when a crop is expensive, weather is unusual, or your yard has a cold pocket.

Crop note

Kale timing notes

Kale sweetens after a light frost. Kale prefers full sun, 12-18 in spacing, and soil near 45 F+.

For fall, count backward from Dec 5. A conservative last sowing target is around Oct 6.