Zone 6b covers 17 days of last-frost dates. We measured Springfield, MO at Apr 6 and Detroit, MI at Apr 23. Give us your town or ZIP and we'll use ten years of daily lows recorded at your own coordinates instead of the middle of that range.
Why these dates work in zone 6b
Zone 6b's last spring frost averages Apr 19 and first fall frost Nov 6 — about 201 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 28 for a second harvest before frost.
Common questions
How long does kale take to grow in zone 6b?
Kale matures in about 50–70 days from sowing. In zone 6b that means sowing around Mar 29 and first picking around May 18.
Will kale survive frost in zone 6b?
Yes — kale tolerates light frost. In zone 6b you can sow a little before the last frost (around Apr 19) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Nov 6).
Can I plant a second crop of kale in zone 6b?
Yes — in zone 6b there's time for a fall sowing around Aug 28 for a second harvest before frost.
For soil, spacing, pests and companion planting, see the full kale growing guide →