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Kale Growing Guide
Brassica family
Companion Planting
Avoid Planting Near
StrawberriesGrowth Stages
- Seedling
- Early Vegetative
- Late Vegetative / Harvest Ready
Planting Dates by Zone
| Zone | Start Indoors | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1a | Apr 13 | Apr 27 | Apr 27 | Jun 11 |
| Zone 1b | Apr 13 | Apr 27 | Apr 27 | Jun 11 |
| Zone 2a | Apr 3 | Apr 17 | Apr 17 | Jun 1 |
| Zone 2b | Apr 13 | Apr 27 | Apr 27 | Jun 11 |
| Zone 3a | Apr 10 | Apr 24 | Apr 24 | Jun 8 |
| Zone 3b | Apr 3 | Apr 17 | Apr 17 | Jun 1 |
| Zone 4a | Mar 24 | Apr 7 | Apr 7 | May 22 |
| Zone 4b | Mar 20 | Apr 3 | Apr 3 | May 18 |
| Zone 5a | Mar 17 | Mar 31 | Mar 31 | May 15 |
| Zone 5b | Mar 17 | Mar 31 | Mar 31 | May 15 |
| Zone 6a | Mar 17 | Mar 31 | Mar 31 | May 15 |
| Zone 6b | Mar 4 | Mar 18 | Mar 18 | May 2 |
| Zone 7a | Mar 4 | Mar 18 | Mar 18 | May 2 |
| Zone 7b | Feb 27 | Mar 13 | Mar 13 | Apr 27 |
| Zone 8a | Feb 22 | Mar 8 | Mar 8 | Apr 22 |
| Zone 8b | Feb 8 | Feb 22 | Feb 22 | Apr 8 |
| Zone 9a | Feb 6 | Feb 20 | Feb 20 | Apr 6 |
| Zone 9b | Jan 27 | Feb 10 | Feb 10 | Mar 27 |
| Zone 10a | Jan 9 | Jan 23 | Jan 23 | Mar 9 |
| Zone 10b | Dec 17 | Dec 31 | Dec 31 | Feb 14 |
| Zone 11a | Dec 17 | Dec 31 | Dec 31 | Feb 14 |
| Zone 11b | Dec 4 | Dec 18 | Dec 18 | Feb 1 |
| Zone 12a | Nov 20 | Dec 4 | Dec 4 | Jan 18 |
| Zone 12b | Nov 20 | Dec 4 | Dec 4 | Jan 18 |
| Zone 13a | Nov 20 | Dec 4 | Dec 4 | Jan 18 |
| Zone 13b | Nov 20 | Dec 4 | Dec 4 | Jan 18 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to grow Kale?
Kale takes approximately 60 days from planting to harvest.
How much sun does Kale need?
Kale requires part sun / part shade.
How far apart should I plant Kale?
Plant Kale at 1/sqft (12" apart) using square foot gardening spacing.
Can Kale survive frost?
Kale is tolerant of heavy frost and can withstand freezing temperatures.
What are good companion plants for Kale?
Good companion plants for Kale include Sage, Dill, Onions, Beets, Potatoes. Avoid planting near Strawberries.
How long does Kale take to germinate?
Kale seeds germinate in 5-10 days at an optimal temperature of 65°F.
When should I start Kale seeds indoors?
Start Kale seeds indoors 6 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant -4 weeks after last frost.
Growing Tips
- Direct sow or transplant in early spring or late summer for fall/winter harvest
- Harvest outer leaves regularly for months of production
- Can overwinter in many climates with minimal protection
Common Pests & Diseases
- Cabbage worms
- Aphids
- Flea beetles
- Whitefly
Harvest Notes
Pick outer leaves when 8-10 inches long, leaving the center growing point. Frost-kissed kale is noticeably sweeter.
Plan Your Kale Garden
Track Kale from seed to harvest with personalized frost dates, watering recommendations, and companion planting visualization.
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