PlantingWindowThe American Planting Almanac

When to plant kale in Cincinnati, Ohio

March 26 – April 9

Direct-sow outdoors · typical Cincinnati year

Climate basis: NOAA station Cincinnati Lunken AP, OH (USW00093812), 5 mi (7 km) from downtown Cincinnati (ZCTA 45202 centroid), elevation 490 ft, on the 1991–2020 climate normals. Direct-sow kale from approximately the dates above, anchored to the median last spring 32°F freeze (April 16). One year in ten still freezes after May 3.

Last spring freezeApril 161-in-10 after May 3
First fall freezeOctober 251-in-10 before Oct 12
Frost-free season≈ 190 daysmedian at 32°F
Hard freeze, 28°Apr 2 – Nov 4kills even hardy greens
USDA zone6b-5 to 0°F winter low — not frost timing

The Cincinnati year

Direct-sow outdoorsMar 26 – Apr 9
Fall plantingAug 30 – Sep 27
  • indoors under lights
  • in the garden
  • frost-free season
  • 1-in-10 years still freeze to May 3
Kale in Cincinnati · freeze context from Cincinnati Lunken AP, OH, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Direct-sow outdoors

Mar 26 – Apr 9

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 (Apr 16). Penn State Extension (York County Master Gardeners) · Purdue University Extension

Fall planting

Aug 30 – Sep 27

Purdue Table 2: plant fall kale at least 4–8 weeks before the first fall frost. Anchored to the median first fall freeze (Oct 25). 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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