PlantingWindowThe American Planting Almanac

When to plant kale in Colorado Springs, Colorado

April 12 – April 26

Direct-sow outdoors · typical Colorado Springs year

Climate basis: NOAA station Colorado Springs Muni AP, CO (USW00093037), 7 mi (11 km) from downtown Colorado Springs (ZCTA 80903 centroid), elevation 6181 ft, on the 1991–2020 climate normals. Direct-sow kale from approximately the dates above, anchored to the median last spring 32°F freeze (May 3). One year in ten still freezes after May 15.

Last spring freezeMay 31-in-10 after May 15
First fall freezeOctober 81-in-10 before Sep 26
Frost-free season≈ 158 daysmedian at 32°F
Hard freeze, 28°Apr 24 – Oct 16kills even hardy greens
USDA zone6a-10 to -5°F winter low — not frost timing

The Colorado Springs year

Direct-sow outdoorsApr 12 – Apr 26
Fall plantingAug 13 – Sep 10
  • indoors under lights
  • in the garden
  • frost-free season
  • 1-in-10 years still freeze to May 15
Kale in Colorado Springs · freeze context from Colorado Springs Muni AP, CO, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Direct-sow outdoors

Apr 12 – Apr 26

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 (May 3). Penn State Extension (York County Master Gardeners) · Purdue University Extension

Fall planting

Aug 13 – Sep 10

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