Quick Facts
🌡️ Season
Cool-Season
☀️ Sun Needs
Shade
💧 Water
Moderate
📐 Spacing
18 inches apart
🕳️ Planting Depth
1/2 inch deep
📅 Days to Harvest
50–65 days
🧪 Soil pH
6–7
🌡️ Min Soil Temp
40°F
🏠 Start Indoors
6 weeks before last frost
🌱 Direct Sow
Yes
🔥 Heat Tolerance
Low
❄️ Cold Tolerance
High
When to Plant Kale by Zone
Planting dates vary by USDA hardiness zone. Find your zone at the Smart Planner.
| Zone | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zones 3–4 (Cold) | Mar, Apr | May, Jul | May | Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov |
| Zones 5–6 (Cool) | Feb, Mar | Apr, Jul, Aug | Apr | May, Jun, Sep, Oct, Nov |
| Zones 7–8 (Moderate) | Jan, Feb | Feb, Mar, Aug, Sep | Mar | Apr, May, Oct, Nov, Dec |
| Zones 9–10 (Warm) | Sep, Oct | Sep, Oct, Jan, Feb | Oct, Nov | Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr |
| Zones 11–13 (Tropical) | Sep, Oct | Sep, Oct, Nov | Oct, Nov | Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar |
Recommended Varieties
Lacinato (Dinosaur)
Dark blue-green, sweet flavor
Winterbor
Very cold hardy curly kale
🌿 Companion Planting
Plant With
🟣 beet🟢 celery🧅 onion🥔 potato
Keep Away From
✗ strawberry✗ tomato
🗺️ Growing Zones
12345678910111213
Highlighted zones are suitable for growing kale.
🛒 Shop Kale Seeds
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