PlantingWindowThe American Planting Almanac

When to plant kale in Indianapolis, Indiana

March 30 – April 13

Direct-sow outdoors · typical Indianapolis year

Climate basis: NOAA station Indianapolis Se Side, IN (USC00124272), 6 mi (10 km) from downtown Indianapolis (ZCTA 46204 centroid), elevation 845 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 20). One year in ten still freezes after May 5.

Last spring freezeApril 201-in-10 after May 5
First fall freezeOctober 211-in-10 before Oct 7
Frost-free season≈ 183 daysmedian at 32°F
Hard freeze, 28°Apr 7 – Nov 1kills even hardy greens
USDA zone6b-5 to 0°F winter low — not frost timing

The Indianapolis year

Direct-sow outdoorsMar 30 – Apr 13
Fall plantingAug 26 – Sep 23
  • indoors under lights
  • in the garden
  • frost-free season
  • 1-in-10 years still freeze to May 5
Kale in Indianapolis · freeze context from Indianapolis Se Side, IN, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Direct-sow outdoors

Mar 30 – Apr 13

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

Fall planting

Aug 26 – Sep 23

Purdue Table 2: plant fall kale at least 4–8 weeks before the first fall frost. Anchored to the median first fall freeze (Oct 21). 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)

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