🥬

🥬 Growing Kale in Zone 1b

Zone 1b has harsh winters and a short growing season. Start Kale early indoors to maximize your harvest window. Last frost: May 25. First frost: Aug 28.

Planting Calendar

Indoor

Outdoor

Harvest

Apr 13Aug 28

Season: May 25 – Aug 28 (95 days)

Zone1b

Last FrostMay 25

First FrostAug 28

Season Length95 days

Days to Harvest60

SunPart Sun / Part Shade

Frost ToleranceHeavy

Spacing1/sqft (12" apart)

When to Plant Kale in Zone 1b

Start Seeds Indoors: Apr 13

Start Kale seeds indoors around Apr 13 (6 weeks before last frost). Optimal germination temperature: 65°F. Germinates in 5–10 days.

Transplant Outdoors: Apr 27

Transplant Kale seedlings outdoors after Apr 27. Wait until soil temperature reaches 40°F. Space plants at 1/sqft (12" apart). Harden off plants for a week before moving outside.

Harvest: Jun 11

First harvest approximately Jun 11 (~45 days from transplant). Continue harvesting until first frost (Aug 28). Kale can overwinter in mild climates for continued harvest.

Fall Planting: Jul 3

For a fall harvest, plant Kale around Jul 3 (8 weeks before first frost).

Companion Planting

✅ Sage ✅ Dill✅ Onions✅ Beets✅ Potatoes

❌ Strawberries

Kale in Other Zones

1a 1b 2a 2b 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b 11a 11b 12a 12b 13a 13b

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Kale in Zone 1b?

Start Kale seeds indoors around Apr 13. Transplant outdoors after Apr 27. Expect first harvest around Jun 11.

What is the last frost date for Zone 1b?

The average last spring frost date for Zone 1b is May 25. The first fall frost averages Aug 28, giving a 95-day growing season.

Can I grow Kale in Zone 1b?

Yes. Kale needs 60 days to harvest. Zone 1b has a 95-day growing season, which is sufficient.

What is the best month to plant Kale in Zone 1b?

The best time to start Kale in Zone 1b is Apr. Begin seeds indoors around Apr 13, then transplant outdoors after the last frost date of May 25.

What companion plants grow well with Kale?

Good companion plants for Kale include Sage, Dill, Onions, Beets, Potatoes. Avoid planting Kale near Strawberries.

How long does Kale take to harvest?

Kale takes approximately 60 days from planting to harvest. In Zone 1b, expect your first harvest around Jun 11.

Plan Your Kale Garden

Track Kale from seed to harvest with personalized frost dates, watering recommendations, and companion planting visualization.

Start Free Kale Growing Guide