When to plant kale in zone 4a — planting calendar

Growing SeasonZone 4a

Last frost ~May 7First frost ~Oct 13Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

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Start indoors Apr 2 · Sow Apr 16 · First harvest Jun 5 · Wrap by Aug 28

Last spring frostMay 7

Start seeds indoorsApr 2

Direct sowApr 16

First harvestJun 5

Last harvestAug 28

Fall succession sowAug 4

First fall frostOct 13

Why these dates work in zone 4a

Zone 4a's last spring frost averages May 7 and first fall frost Oct 13 — about 159 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 Aug 4 for a second harvest before frost.

Common questions

How long does kale take to grow in zone 4a?

Kale matures in about 50–70 days from sowing. In zone 4a that means sowing around Apr 16 and first picking around Jun 5.

Will kale survive frost in zone 4a?

Yes — kale tolerates light frost. In zone 4a you can sow a little before the last frost (around May 7) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Oct 13).

Can I plant a second crop of kale in zone 4a?

Yes — in zone 4a there's time for a fall sowing around Aug 4 for a second harvest before frost.

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

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