PlantingWindowThe American Planting Almanac

When to plant kale in Cleveland, Ohio

March 18 – April 1

Direct-sow outdoors · typical Cleveland year

Climate basis: NOAA station Cleveland Burke AP, OH (USW00004853), 2 mi (4 km) from downtown Cleveland (ZCTA 44113 centroid), elevation 584 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 8). One year in ten still freezes after April 20.

Last spring freezeApril 81-in-10 after Apr 20
First fall freezeNovember 121-in-10 before Nov 1
Frost-free season≈ 217 daysmedian at 32°F
Hard freeze, 28°Apr 1 – Nov 22kills even hardy greens
USDA zone7a0 to 5°F winter low — not frost timing

The Cleveland year

Direct-sow outdoorsMar 18 – Apr 1
Fall plantingSep 17 – Oct 15
  • indoors under lights
  • in the garden
  • frost-free season
  • 1-in-10 years still freeze to Apr 20
Kale in Cleveland · freeze context from Cleveland Burke AP, OH, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Direct-sow outdoors

Mar 18 – Apr 1

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

Fall planting

Sep 17 – Oct 15

Purdue Table 2: plant fall kale at least 4–8 weeks before the first fall frost. Anchored to the median first fall freeze (Nov 12). 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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