PlantingWindowThe American Planting Almanac

When to plant kale in Syracuse, New York

April 8 – April 22

Direct-sow outdoors · typical Syracuse year

Climate basis: NOAA station Syracuse Hancock INTL AP, NY (USW00014771), 5 mi (8 km) from downtown Syracuse (ZCTA 13202 centroid), elevation 413 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 29). One year in ten still freezes after May 13.

Last spring freezeApril 291-in-10 after May 13
First fall freezeOctober 191-in-10 before Oct 2
Frost-free season≈ 173 daysmedian at 32°F
Hard freeze, 28°Apr 16 – Nov 2kills even hardy greens
USDA zone6a-10 to -5°F winter low — not frost timing

The Syracuse year

Direct-sow outdoorsApr 8 – Apr 22
Fall plantingAug 24 – Sep 21
  • indoors under lights
  • in the garden
  • frost-free season
  • 1-in-10 years still freeze to May 13
Kale in Syracuse · freeze context from Syracuse Hancock INTL AP, NY, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Direct-sow outdoors

Apr 8 – Apr 22

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

Fall planting

Aug 24 – Sep 21

Purdue Table 2: plant fall kale at least 4–8 weeks before the first fall frost. Anchored to the median first fall freeze (Oct 19). 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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