When to plant kale 🥬
Kale takes 55–75 days to mature, spaced 18" apart at 0.5" deep. Start indoors and transplant for the longest harvest.
Planting dates by USDA zone
| Zone | Start indoors | Direct sow | Transplant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 | March 30 – April 13 | April 27 – June 8 | May 4 – May 25 | July 20 – August 10 |
| Zone 4 | March 20 – April 3 | April 17 – May 29 | April 24 – May 15 | July 10 – July 31 |
| Zone 5 | March 6 – March 20 | April 3 – May 15 | April 10 – May 1 | June 26 – July 17 |
| Zone 6 | February 19 – March 4 | March 18 – April 29 | March 25 – April 15 | June 10 – July 1 |
| Zone 7 | February 5 – February 19 | March 4 – April 15 | March 11 – April 1 | May 27 – June 17 |
| Zone 8 | January 19 – February 2 | February 16 – March 29 | February 23 – March 15 | May 10 – May 31 |
| Zone 9 | December 21 – January 4 | January 18 – February 29 | January 25 – February 15 | April 11 – May 2 |
| Zone 10 | December 5 – December 19 | January 2 – February 13 | January 9 – January 30 | March 26 – April 16 |
Dates are averages — adjust ±1–2 weeks for your microclimate. Need your exact dates? Enter your zip code below.
Get your personalized kale planting dates
Care tips
- Flavor sweetens after a light frost.
- Pick lower leaves first; let the crown keep growing.
- Watch for cabbage worms — use row cover early.
Good companions
Beets, Onions, Herbs.
Read more: Companion planting chart for vegetables
Track your kale harvest with BotaNotes
Log planting dates, get AI-powered care reminders, and journal every harvest. Free 15-day trial.
Frequently asked questions
When should I start kale seeds indoors in zone 5?▾
In USDA zone 5, start kale seeds indoors between March 6 and March 20 — that's 6–8 weeks before the average last frost (May 1).
When should I start kale seeds indoors in zone 6?▾
In USDA zone 6, start kale seeds indoors between February 19 and March 4 — that's 6–8 weeks before the average last frost (April 15).
When should I start kale seeds indoors in zone 7?▾
In USDA zone 7, start kale seeds indoors between February 5 and February 19 — that's 6–8 weeks before the average last frost (April 1).
When should I start kale seeds indoors in zone 8?▾
In USDA zone 8, start kale seeds indoors between January 19 and February 2 — that's 6–8 weeks before the average last frost (March 15).
When can I transplant kale seedlings outdoors?▾
Transplant kale seedlings about -3–0 weeks after your average last spring frost. In zone 6 that's around March 25–April 15.
How long does kale take to grow?▾
Kale typically takes 55–75 days to mature, with harvest beginning roughly 8–11 weeks after the last spring frost.