Kale Planting Guide — All Zones
Brassica oleracea var. sabellica
Last updated: Apr 25, 2026Quick Facts
Sunlight
☀️ Full Sun
Water Needs
💧💧 Moderate
Spacing
18 inches apart
Planting Depth
0.5 inch
Min Soil Temp
40°F
Germination
5–10 days
Days to Maturity
50–75 days
Frost Tolerance
Heavy frost tolerance
Soil pH
6.0–7.5
Difficulty
Easy
Planting Schedule by Zone
Select your USDA zone below for a detailed guide with tips specific to your region.
| Zone | Start Indoors | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest Start | Harvest End |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 2 | Apr 6 | May 25 | — | Jul 21 | Sep 2 |
| Zone 3 | Mar 27 | May 15 | — | Jul 11 | Sep 4 |
| Zone 4 | Mar 22 | May 10 | — | Jul 6 | Aug 30 |
| Zone 5 | Mar 12 | Apr 30 | — | Jun 26 | Aug 20 |
| Zone 6 | Feb 25 | Apr 15 | — | Jun 11 | Aug 5 |
| Zone 7 | Feb 15 | Apr 5 | — | Jun 1 | Jul 26 |
| Zone 8 | Jan 30 | Mar 20 | — | May 16 | Jul 10 |
| Zone 9 | Jan 10 | Feb 28 | — | Apr 26 | Jun 20 |
| Zone 10 | Dec 23 | Feb 10 | — | Apr 8 | Jun 2 |
| Zone 11 | Dec 17 | Jan 15 | Jan 15 | Mar 13 | May 7 |
Recommended for Your Zone
🌱 Kale Seeds & Supplies
Find seeds, soil, and tools suited for growing kale in your zone.
Shop on Amazon →Companion Planting
Companion planting improves growth, deters pests, and makes better use of garden space.
✓ Good Companions
✗ Avoid Nearby
Tomato Strawberry
📚 Data Sources
Frost dates: NOAA Climate Normals 1991–2020, National Centers for Environmental Information.Hardiness zones: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, Agricultural Research Service.
Growing requirements: Cooperative Extension Services — NC State, Penn State, University of Florida IFAS.
Companion planting: Cornell University Cooperative Extension.
Data compiled from public agricultural sources. Always verify with your local extension office for micro-climate adjustments.