Zone 8b covers 47 days of last-frost dates. We measured Fort Worth, TX at Feb 18 and Eugene, OR at Apr 6. Give us your town or ZIP and we'll use ten years of daily lows recorded at your own coordinates instead of the middle of that range.
Why these dates work in zone 8b
Zone 8b's last spring frost averages Mar 6 and first fall frost Nov 22 — about 261 frost-free days. Kale tolerates light frost, so you can sow ahead of the last-frost date and keep harvesting into the cooler fall. Starting seeds indoors 5 weeks ahead gives strong transplants ready the moment the soil warms. There's also room for a fall succession sowing around Sep 13 for a second harvest before frost.
Common questions
How long does kale take to grow in zone 8b?
Kale matures in about 50–70 days from sowing. In zone 8b that means sowing around Feb 13 and first picking around Apr 4.
Will kale survive frost in zone 8b?
Yes — kale tolerates light frost. In zone 8b you can sow a little before the last frost (around Mar 6) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Nov 22).
Can I plant a second crop of kale in zone 8b?
Yes — in zone 8b there's time for a fall sowing around Sep 13 for a second harvest before frost.
For soil, spacing, pests and companion planting, see the full kale growing guide →