When to plant kale in zone 3a — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 3A

Growing SeasonZone 3a

Last frost ~May 30First frost ~Sep 10Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

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Start indoors Apr 25 · Sow May 9 · First harvest Jun 28 · Wrap by Sep 10

Last spring frostMay 30

Start seeds indoorsApr 25

Direct sowMay 9

First harvestJun 28

Last harvestSep 10

Fall succession sowJul 2

First fall frostSep 10

Why these dates work in zone 3a

Zone 3a's last spring frost averages May 30 and first fall frost Sep 10 — about 103 frost-free days. Kale tolerates light frost, so you can sow ahead of the last-frost date and keep harvesting into the cooler fall. Starting seeds indoors 5 weeks ahead gives strong transplants ready the moment the soil warms. There's also room for a fall succession sowing around Jul 2 for a second harvest before frost.

Common questions

How long does kale take to grow in zone 3a?

Kale matures in about 50–70 days from sowing. In zone 3a that means sowing around May 9 and first picking around Jun 28.

Will kale survive frost in zone 3a?

Yes — kale tolerates light frost. In zone 3a you can sow a little before the last frost (around May 30) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Sep 10).

Can I plant a second crop of kale in zone 3a?

Yes — in zone 3a there's time for a fall sowing around Jul 2 for a second harvest before frost.

For soil, spacing, pests and companion planting, see the full kale growing guide →