When to plant kale

Kale (cool-season leafy brassica) is classed hardy in the cited extension guidance. The timing rules below are relative to your local freeze dates — enter a location to turn them into calendar dates.

The rules this site applies
MethodFrost-relative windowRule & reconciliation
Direct-sow outdoors3–1 weeks before the median last spring freezePurdue: hardy — 4–6 weeks before the last frost; Penn State's earliest sowing Apr 10 (−21 days) is the later start and is used.
Fall planting8–4 weeks before the median first fall freezePurdue Table 2: plant fall kale at least 4–8 weeks before the first fall frost.

Variety assumption: Assumes an average curly variety (about 50–65 days; Penn State lists 60).

Crop rule sources (2)
Reviewed city pages for kale
Related crops

Broccoli · Brussels sprouts · Cabbage · Collards · Kohlrabi · Radishes