Best Kale Varieties for Different Climates

ByStephen Albert

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I’ve been growing kale for over 30 years in both mild coastal gardens and hot inland valleys, and I’ve learned that variety choice can make or break your harvest. Kale is hardy, but certain types thrive better in specific climate conditions. Here’s how to match the best kale varieties to your region so you can enjoy fresh, nutrient-rich greens all season long.

Why Climate Matters for Kale

Kale grows in almost any USDA zone, but temperature and weather patterns affect flavor, texture, and growth rate. Cool-season varieties tend to get sweeter after frost, while heat-tolerant varieties resist bolting in warmer weather.

Young Russian kale
Young Russian kale

For Cool and Frosty Climates (Zones 3–6)

Best varieties:

  • Winterbor: A curly kale that thrives in freezing temperatures and produces all winter under light snow cover.
  • Red Russian: Sweetens noticeably after frost, with tender, flat leaves and a mild flavor.
  • Nero di Toscana (Tuscan): Survives frost well and develops deep, earthy sweetness in cool weather.

My tip: In my cooler-season beds, I’ve seen Red Russian outlast other varieties into early spring without protection.

Lacinato kale
Lacinato kale, also called Tuscan kale

For Mild, Coastal Climates (Zones 7–10)

Best varieties:

  • Lacinato (Dinosaur Kale, Tuscan): Slow to bolt in mild winters; perfect for year-round picking.
  • Dwarf Blue Curled: Compact, cold-tolerant, and ideal for smaller garden spaces.
  • Portuguese Kale (Tronchuda): Broad, flat leaves with mild flavor; grows steadily in steady, cool-to-warm weather.

My tip: In my coastal garden years, I planted Lacinato in fall and harvested for 10 straight months without replanting.

For Hot Summer Climates (Zones 8–11)

Best varieties:

  • Siberian Kale: Heat-tolerant and slow to bolt, with large, flat leaves.
  • Premier: Early-maturing and resistant to yellowing in warm weather.
  • Mizuna Hybrid Kales: Technically a mustard-kale cross, they withstand heat and keep producing tender leaves.

My tip: I’ve had success extending summer kale production by using shade cloth and choosing Siberian for its bolt resistance.

Growing Tips for Any Climate

  • Stagger plantings every 3–4 weeks for a longer harvest window.
  • Mulch deeply to regulate soil temperature and retain moisture.
  • Harvest regularly to keep plants producing new, tender leaves.

Final Thought: By choosing the right kale varieties for your climate—and using proven techniques—I’ve been able to harvest fresh kale nearly year-round in both frosty winters and blazing summers. You can too.

Stephen Albert is a horticulturist, master gardener, and certified nurseryman who has taught at the University of California for more than 25 years. He holds graduate degrees from the University of California and the University of Iowa. His books include Vegetable Garden Grower’s Guide, Vegetable Garden Almanac & Planner, Tomato Grower’s Answer Book, and Kitchen Garden Grower’s Guide. His Vegetable Garden Grower’s Masterclass is available online. Harvesttotable.com has more than 10 million visitors each year.

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