🥬When to Plant Kale (2026)
Frost actually sweetens it. Plant early spring and again for fall.
- Type: Cool-season
- Method: Direct sow or transplant
- Days to harvest: 55
- Spacing: 12" apart
- Sun: Full sun to part shade
- Companions: beets, onion, herbs
Is Kale right for your USDA zone?
Kale is a cool-season crop, which means it thrives in the mild temperatures of spring and fall. Gardeners in zones 3a through 7b get the longest kale season — you can plant in early spring and again in late summer for a fall harvest. In warmer zones (8a-10b), grow kale as a winter crop from October through February when temperatures are coolest.
Kale needs about 55 days from sowing to harvest, so any zone with at least 69frost-free days can grow it successfully. Check your zone's specific dates in the table below.
How to grow kale
Start kale seeds indoors about 5 weeks before your last spring frost, then harden off and transplant the seedlings once frost danger has passed. Give each plant 12 inches of room in full sun to part shade, and keep the soil consistently moist while seeds germinate and plants establish.
Expect roughly 55 days to your first harvest. Watch for cabbage worm, aphids, the most common pests of kale, and scout plants weekly so you can act early. Frost converts starches to sugar—kale harvested after a light freeze tastes noticeably sweeter. Harvest the oldest outer leaves first and the plant keeps producing from the center for months.
Troubleshooting kale
Cabbage aphids cluster in dense gray colonies inside leaf crevices and growing tips. A strong jet of water knocks most off. For persistent infestations, insecticidal soap or neem oil applied to leaf undersides works well.
Growing kale in containers
One plant per 3-gallon pot minimum. Kale is ornamental enough for mixed flower planters—varieties like 'Red Russian' and 'Lacinato' (dinosaur kale) look striking alongside annual flowers.
Kale planting dates by zone (2026)
| Zone | Start Indoors | Sow / Transplant | Harvest From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3a | Apr 10 | Apr 24 | Jun 18 |
| Zone 3b | Apr 10 | Apr 24 | Jun 18 |
| Zone 4a | Apr 5 | Apr 19 | Jun 13 |
| Zone 4b | Mar 31 | Apr 14 | Jun 8 |
| Zone 5a | Mar 26 | Apr 9 | Jun 3 |
| Zone 5b | Mar 21 | Apr 4 | May 29 |
| Zone 6a | Mar 16 | Mar 30 | May 24 |
| Zone 6b | Mar 11 | Mar 25 | May 19 |
| Zone 7a | Mar 6 | Mar 20 | May 14 |
| Zone 7b | Mar 1 | Mar 15 | May 9 |
| Zone 8a | Feb 18 | Mar 4 | Apr 28 |
| Zone 8b | Feb 8 | Feb 22 | Apr 18 |
| Zone 9a | Jan 21 | Feb 4 | Mar 31 |
| Zone 9b | Jan 6 | Jan 20 | Mar 16 |
| Zone 10a | Dec 27 | Jan 10 | Mar 6 |
| Zone 10b | Dec 11 | Dec 25 | Feb 18 |
Kale planting FAQ
When is the best time to plant kale?
Kale is a cool-season crop. Plant it in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked, and again in late summer for a fall harvest. It tolerates light frost. Find the exact date for your USDA zone in the table below.
How long does kale take to grow?
Kale takes about 55 days from sowing to first harvest. Starting seeds indoors 5 weeks before your last frost gives the plants a head start.
How far apart should I space kale?
Space kale about 12 inches apart in full sun to part shade. Proper spacing gives roots room to spread and improves airflow, which reduces disease.
What is the best growing tip for kale?
Frost converts starches to sugar—kale harvested after a light freeze tastes noticeably sweeter. Harvest the oldest outer leaves first and the plant keeps producing from the center for months.
What are common problems with kale?
Cabbage aphids cluster in dense gray colonies inside leaf crevices and growing tips. A strong jet of water knocks most off. For persistent infestations, insecticidal soap or neem oil applied to leaf undersides works well.
Can I grow kale in a container?
One plant per 3-gallon pot minimum. Kale is ornamental enough for mixed flower planters—varieties like 'Red Russian' and 'Lacinato' (dinosaur kale) look striking alongside annual flowers.
Can I plant kale for a second harvest?
Yes—spring and fall crops are standard practice. In zones 5+, start fall kale indoors in early July and transplant by early August. Mature kale survives winter down to zone 5 with minimal protection.
What grows well with kale?
Good companion plants for kale are beets, onion, herbs. Companion planting can deter pests and make better use of garden space. Rotate where you plant kale each year to keep soil healthy.