When to Plant Kale in Zone 4
In USDA zone 4a, start seeds indoors around March 13, transplant or plant outdoors April 17 to June 11, and expect your first harvest around June 11. Zone 4 also has a fall planting window opening around August 2. (4a shown here — see 4a and 4b dates separately below.)
Kale planting calendar for USDA Zone 4a
Average last spring frost
May 15
Average first fall frost
September 20
spring planting
Start seeds indoors
Mar 13
Transplant outdoors
Apr 17
Projected first harvest
Jun 11
fall planting
Start seeds indoors
Jun 28
Transplant outdoors
Aug 2
Projected first harvest
Sep 26
spring planting
fall planting
Most kale mature in about 55 to 60 days depending on the variety, needing roughly 128 frost-free days in zone 4a.
Kale planting calendar for USDA Zone 4b
Average last spring frost
May 10
Average first fall frost
September 25
spring planting
Start seeds indoors
Mar 8
Transplant outdoors
Apr 12
Projected first harvest
Jun 6
fall planting
Start seeds indoors
Jul 3
Transplant outdoors
Aug 7
Projected first harvest
Oct 1
spring planting
fall planting
Most kale mature in about 55 to 60 days depending on the variety, needing roughly 138 frost-free days in zone 4b.
Not sure whether you're in 4a or 4b? Set your ZIP in HomeSown for dates tuned to your exact location.
Varieties to grow
3 varieties of kale in the HomeSown library. Tap any for its full grow guide.
Common problems with kale
What to watch for, with identification and treatment for each
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