PlantingWindowThe American Planting Almanac

When to plant kale in Birmingham, Alabama

February 28 – March 14

Direct-sow outdoors · typical Birmingham year

Climate basis: NOAA station Birmingham AP, AL (USW00013876), 5 mi (8 km) from downtown Birmingham (ZCTA 35203 centroid), elevation 615 ft, on the 1991–2020 climate normals. Direct-sow kale from approximately the dates above, anchored to the median last spring 32°F freeze (March 21). One year in ten still freezes after April 8.

Last spring freezeMarch 211-in-10 after Apr 8
First fall freezeNovember 111-in-10 before Oct 30
Frost-free season≈ 236 daysmedian at 32°F
Hard freeze, 28°Mar 7 – Nov 24kills even hardy greens
USDA zone8a10 to 15°F winter low — not frost timing

The Birmingham year

Direct-sow outdoorsFeb 28 – Mar 14
Fall plantingSep 16 – Oct 14
  • indoors under lights
  • in the garden
  • frost-free season
  • 1-in-10 years still freeze to Apr 8
Kale in Birmingham · freeze context from Birmingham AP, AL, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Direct-sow outdoors

Feb 28 – Mar 14

Purdue: hardy — 4–6 weeks before the last frost; Penn State's earliest sowing Apr 10 (−21 days) is the later start and is used. Anchored to the median last spring freeze (Mar 21). Penn State Extension (York County Master Gardeners) · Purdue University Extension

Fall planting

Sep 16 – Oct 14

Purdue Table 2: plant fall kale at least 4–8 weeks before the first fall frost. Anchored to the median first fall freeze (Nov 11). Purdue University Extension

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

These windows describe typical years (1991–2020 climate normals), not this year's forecast. Freezes happen outside them — especially in frost pockets, valleys, and urban edges. Watch the forecast before committing tender plants.

This week, not a typical year:
Crop rule sources (2)

Keep exploring

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