When to plant kale in zone 5a — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 5A

Growing SeasonZone 5a

Last frost ~May 10First frost ~Oct 1Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

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Start indoors Apr 5 · Sow Apr 19 · First harvest Jun 8 · Wrap by Aug 31

Last spring frostMay 10

Start seeds indoorsApr 5

Direct sowApr 19

First harvestJun 8

Last harvestAug 31

Fall succession sowJul 23

First fall frostOct 1

Why these dates work in zone 5a

Zone 5a's last spring frost averages May 10 and first fall frost Oct 1 — about 144 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 23 for a second harvest before frost.

Common questions

How long does kale take to grow in zone 5a?

Kale matures in about 50–70 days from sowing. In zone 5a that means sowing around Apr 19 and first picking around Jun 8.

Will kale survive frost in zone 5a?

Yes — kale tolerates light frost. In zone 5a you can sow a little before the last frost (around May 10) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Oct 1).

Can I plant a second crop of kale in zone 5a?

Yes — in zone 5a there's time for a fall sowing around Jul 23 for a second harvest before frost.

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