When to Plant Kale in Zone 6
In USDA zone 6a, start seeds indoors around February 21, transplant or plant outdoors March 28 to May 22, and expect your first harvest around May 22. Zone 6 also has a fall planting window opening around August 22. (6a shown here — see 6a and 6b dates separately below.)
Kale planting calendar for USDA Zone 6a
Average last spring frost
April 25
Average first fall frost
October 10
spring planting
Start seeds indoors
Feb 21
Transplant outdoors
Mar 28
Projected first harvest
May 22
fall planting
Start seeds indoors
Jul 18
Transplant outdoors
Aug 22
Projected first harvest
Oct 16
spring planting
fall planting
Most kale mature in about 55 to 60 days depending on the variety, needing roughly 168 frost-free days in zone 6a.
Kale planting calendar for USDA Zone 6b
Average last spring frost
April 20
Average first fall frost
October 15
spring planting
Start seeds indoors
Feb 16
Transplant outdoors
Mar 23
Projected first harvest
May 17
fall planting
Start seeds indoors
Jul 23
Transplant outdoors
Aug 27
Projected first harvest
Oct 21
spring planting
fall planting
Most kale mature in about 55 to 60 days depending on the variety, needing roughly 178 frost-free days in zone 6b.
Not sure whether you're in 6a or 6b? 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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