Quick planting window
| Start indoors | February to March |
|---|---|
| Transplant | February to March |
| Sow seeds | February to March |
| Estimated harvest | April to May |
| Risk | Low risk |
Month calendar
Scan the year by month to see seed starting, sowing, transplanting, and harvest timing.
Kale is a reasonable spring choice for California if you adjust for your local microclimate.
Next: ZIP code personalization
This is a state-level planning window based on typical frost timing and crop rules. Use local Extension guidance or a ZIP code frost-date tool before planting.
Planning notes
Days to maturity
55
Covered states
20
Maturity range
28-240 days
Crop overview pages compare state windows; open a specific state page to see that state's frost dates, heat risk, and Extension source.
Kale growing notes
The calendar window is only the first step. These growing details affect survival, plant vigor, and harvest quality.
Sun
Full sun to partial shade.
Soil
Fertile, well-drained soil.
Spacing
12-18 inches.
Container
Good in 3-5+ gallon containers.
Watering
Water regularly for tender leaves.
Common mistake
Ignoring pests on young leaves.
Beginner tip
Harvest outer leaves first and let the center keep growing.
Month window table
| State | Spring transplant / sow | Spring harvest | Fall transplant / sow | Fall harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | February to March | April to May | September to October | October to November |
| New York | April to May | June to July | July to August | September to October |
| Texas | February to March | April to May | August to September | October to November |
| Washington | April to May | June to July | August to September | September to October |
| New Jersey | April to May | June to July | August to September | September to October |
| Florida | January to February | March to April | October to November | November to December |
| North Carolina | March to April | May to June | August to September | October to November |
| Georgia | March to April | April to May | August to September | October to November |
| Illinois | April to May | May to June | August | September to October |
| Ohio | April to May | May to June | August | September to October |
| Pennsylvania | April to May | June to July | August | September to October |
| Michigan | April to May | June to July | July to August | September to October |
| Arizona | February to March | April to May | September to October | October to November |
| Oregon | March to April | May to June | August to September | September to October |
| Massachusetts | April to May | June to July | July to August | September to October |
| Minnesota | April to May | June to July | July to August | September to October |
| Virginia | March to April | May to June | August to September | October to November |
| Colorado | April to May | June to July | July to August | September to October |
| Tennessee | March to April | May to June | August to September | October to November |
| Missouri | March to April | May to June | August to September | September to October |
Sources and limits
This crop overview summarizes typical frost windows and crop rules across 20 states. Because it is not tied to one state, the links below point to representative state Extension sources; state and crop-state pages show the matching state source.
Note: this overview shows a sample of sources; each state page exposes its own Extension reference.
FAQ
When should I start kale indoors?
Kale is commonly started indoors about 5 weeks before the last frost date. The exact month changes by state.
Can I sow kale outdoors?
Kale can be sown outdoors when soil and nights are suitable. In California, the spring estimate is about February to March.
When should I transplant kale?
Kale is commonly transplanted about -3 weeks after the last frost date, after seedlings are hardened off.
How long does kale take to harvest?
Kale is listed at about 55 days to maturity. Cool weather, weak light, or stress can extend that timeline.
Is kale container friendly?
Yes. Good in 3-5+ gallon containers.
What is the most common kale mistake?
Ignoring pests on young leaves.
Is kale better in spring or fall?
Both spring and fall can work in many states, but fall timing should count backward from the first frost date.
Is this ZIP-code accurate?
No. V1 uses conservative state-level windows and reserves ZIP-code frost dates, USDA zone matching, and reminders for the next phase.