Kale Planting Guide
Hardy superfood green that thrives in cool weather and tastes sweeter after frost
Best Time and Place to Plant Kale
In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to May 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Plant Kale in a spot with 4+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 40F to 75F, and enough room for 12 inches between plants and 18 inches between rows.
Planting Windows by Zone
| Zone | Spring | Fall |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | May 1 to June 15 | August 1 to August 30 |
| Zone 2 | April 20 to June 10 | August 10 to September 15 |
| Zone 3 | April 10 to May 30 | August 15 to September 30 |
| Zone 4 | April 1 to May 20 | August 20 to October 1 |
| Zone 5 | March 20 to May 15 | August 25 to October 10 |
| Zone 6 | March 10 to May 10 | September 1 to October 20 |
| Zone 7 | March 1 to May 1 | September 10 to November 1 |
| Zone 8 | February 15 to April 20 | September 20 to November 15 |
| Zone 9 | February 1 to April 10 | October 1 to December 1 |
| Zone 10 | January 15 to March 30 | October 15 to December 15 |
| Zone 11 | Year-round to Year-round | Varies |
| Zone 12 | Year-round to Year-round | Varies |
| Zone 13 | Year-round to Year-round | Varies |
Spacing and Care
- Planting depth: 0.5 inches deep
- Spacing: 12 inches apart, 18 inches between rows
- Soil temperature: 40F to 75F
- Sunlight: 4+ hours
- Watering: 1-1.5 inches per week; tolerates drier conditions than other brassicas
- Days to harvest: 55
Fertilization
- High-nitrogen 21-0-0 synthetic: Side-dress every 4 weeks
- Blood Meal organic: 1.5 lbs per 100 sq ft before planting
- Compost organic: 2-3 inches worked in before planting
Companion Plants
- Beets
- Celery
- Aromatic herbs
- Nasturtium
Avoid Planting Near
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Strawberries
Harvest Signs
- Leaves are deep green and 8-10 inches long
- Harvest outer leaves first, leave inner crown
- Can harvest year-round in mild climates
- Flavor peaks after light frost exposure
FAQs
When should I plant Kale?
Kale planting depends on your USDA hardiness zone. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to May 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
What is the best time of year to plant Kale?
The best time of year to plant Kale is when your zone planting window is open and soil temperatures are around 40F to 75F. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to May 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Where is the best place to plant Kale?
Plant Kale in a spot with 4+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 40F to 75F, and enough room for 12 inches between plants and 18 inches between rows.
How far apart should I plant Kale?
Plant Kale about 12 inches apart, with rows around 18 inches apart.
What grows well with Kale?
Kale is commonly paired with Beets, Celery, Aromatic herbs, Nasturtium.