Growing kale in zone 5a

In USDA zone 5a, the typical last spring frost is May 3 and the first fall frost is October 5. Here is when to plant kale against those dates.

Start seeds indoorsFebruary 15 to March 1

Transplant outdoorsMarch 29 to April 5

Direct sow outdoorsMarch 29 to April 5

Plant in fallAugust 3 to September 7

These are zone 5a averages

Computed from 2,383 ZIP codes in zone 5a. Your town's frost dates vary; enter your ZIP for dates built on your nearest weather station.

Get my exact dates

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, 2023. USDA Agricultural Research Service / Oregon State University PRISM Group. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020. Planting windows for kale from Utah State University Extension. Zone dates are medians; local conditions vary.