In the Central/Midwest region you can plant kale in the spring or fall. The flavour of kale is actually improved by frosty conditions. MID-ATLANTIC In today's article, we'll be looking at what not to plant with kale. For fall crops, plant kale at least 10 weeks prior to the first frost of the autumn. Healthy Purple Produce: Should You Eat More Purple Fruits and Vegetables. more about growing this versatile, nutritious leafy green, 11 Things to Do in the Garden Before Winter, Spice Up Your Garden with Fall Decor: Decorating Ideas for Autumn, 10 of the Best Deck Boxes for Your Porch, Patio, Pool, or Veranda, 19 Dazzling Delphiniums for Your Flower Beds, How to Plant and Grow Curly Endive and Escarole, Houseplant Primer: A Guide to Basic Care and Durable Plants, How to Care for Milkweed Plants in Winter, Using Pheromones to Control Insects in Your Garden. Tip #5: Effectively Care for your Kale THIS Way! You can read more about these hardiness zones here. You may be able to plant as late as August in much of this region. Try direct sowing seeds outdoors in October and November. Plant spring flowering bulbs.Consider investing in a bulb planter to speed up the process or to naturalise bulbs into grassed areas of your garden. Space kale 18 to 24 inches apart in an area with full sun and well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.5 to 6.8. NORTH CENTRAL & ROCKIES Frost sweetens kale's flavor, but temperatures above 80 degrees Fahrenheit turn it bitter. Kale is best planted in the late fall in the Gulf Coast region. Other useful information for determining the planting date is your predicted last frost date in the spring, and first frost date in the fall. Alternatively, start kale indoors 5-7 weeks before the last frost and transplant seedlings outside 4-6 weeks later. Use a Hoop House But at some point (for many of us in the colder climates) even hardy kale can’t hold out against the cold. You need to harvest leaves from the mature plant regularly. For cold regions, plant in early spring. Pretty blue-green hybrid kale is easy to grow and produces vigorously. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in plant sciences and has worked on farms in Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Tennessee. When it gets hot, especially high desert hot, these plants will either not do well or they will go to … GrowThis.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. PACIFIC NORTHWEST These include carrots, lettuce, kale, onions, garlic and so on. Begin with kale seeds or kale plants. Plant in November and begin harvesting in late January. Plant your seeds or starts in the center of the pot, following the same fertilization and depth suggested for garden planting (a good layer of compost, with seeds planted ½ inch deep). One of the best things about this hardy green is that it is fairly flexible in terms of when you may start growing it, and a few weeks’ difference won’t set your plants back too much. Young pods can be eaten like snap beans, or you can shell the beans and cook when still green for a sweet, flavorful treat. Start to remove young leaves from the top of the plant from October onwards. If you start growing kale in early spring, you can harvest it through summer, maybe, even fall and winter if you live in a hardiness zone between 7 to 10. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. In particularly cold climates, you might need to protect your kale with a cold frame or heavy mulching, but otherwise, this plant is an excellent source of food in the winter months. Compact plants with lush leaves. In the Southwest, plant kale in August and September for best results. lauraag Getty Images. Briana Yablonski grew up in Eastern Pennsylvania and currently resides in Knoxville, Tennessee. All rights reserved. TIPS & ADVICE If you garden in a climate where kale does not thrive in full sun, you can use a taller plant such as sorghum to provide it with a little shade. In March and November, space successions two weeks apart. Kale will taste best when planted and grown during the cooler months in Hawaii. If you are going to plant kale for a spring harvest, direct sow the seeds in the garden about two weeks before the last frost in your area. Cut the leaves after about 25 days and you’ll have tender, tasty kale. See our TOS for more details. In zones 8 through 10, kale can be planted all year round. Just be sure to plant it to the south of your kale. To produce tender, tasty leaves, kale needs adequate nutrition. When she’s not immersed in the world of gardening, Briana enjoys walking dogs at the local shelter and riding her bike. #1 Kale is towering . Those who live in a hardiness zone with a high number can start growing earlier in the spring and later in the fall than those who live in a hardiness zone with a low number. Sow kale seeds indoors in March, April and May in Alaska. Kale is a cold-hardy vegetable, so you're okay to plant it in early spring. Being a cool-weather crop, kale can withstand temperatures as low as 20 F (-5 C). Once your seeds have germinated and have reached 2-3 inches, you’ll be ready to plant your kale. If it is a mature kale plant that you are cutting back, the new growth is towering on the top. Whether you’re planting in the spring or fall, this tasty, nutritious green makes a great addition. Direct sow seeds outside or start them indoors in September and October. Just be sure to plant it to the south of your kale. Kale taste best when it matures during the first frosts of the fall but can be grown in the spring or over winter in some regions as well. The beautiful white and black flowers on an upright plant make Windsor pretty enough to use in flower beds. Your email address will not be published. If you’re growing baby kale, planting seeds once and then again a few weeks later will allow for a continuous supply. In cool-summer regions, plant kale … Kale can be grown as a cut-and-come-again crop. Kale can be planted indoors as early as February or outside starting in March in the Pacific Northwest. "Cool weather brings out the sweet, nutty flavor of this highly nutritious green," according to the Old Farmer's Almanac, so no need to fear a bit of chill. Kale Planting Time. For fall crops, plant kale outside in July and August. This is the time when days are less than ten hours long. If you’re growing during warmer temps, plant in partial shade. Seeds are cheaper and grow easily. Do you have tips on when to plant kale in your area? Now that you know when to plant, you can start planning how it will feature in your garden. Kale will take 1 to 14 days to germinate, and the seeds need to be planted about ½ inch deep in soil that can drain well. They’re considered hardy in USDA growing zones 2-11, but since hot weather inhibits leaf color and causes the stems to elongate, it’s best to grow them in the spring or fall. Young tender leaves can be harvested for salads. Aim to plant seeds directly in your garden every two to three weeks. Kale, also known as Brassica oleracea var. Sow Some Kale Seeds. In the Mid-Atlantic region, plant kale indoors in February and March. In today's article, we'll be looking at what not to plant with kale. acephala, is a dark green leafy vegetable that You can continue to sow seeds until the end of May. Here is more about what we do. acephala, is a dark green leafy vegetable that. Pop the trays undercover for ten days and bring them indoors overnight for the first few days. You can start trays for transplants in June, July, or August, and plant these out into your garden in late July to late September. October doesn't scare kale. Harvesting. In zones 8, 9, and 10, kale can be planted later in the fall and even into winter. We occasionally link to goods offered by vendors to help the reader find relevant products. When planting kale in your fall garden, always check the pH and add lime if needed to bring the pH into the range of 6.5-6.8. This tactic of sowing multiple plantings is known as succession planting. To read more about growing this versatile, nutritious leafy green, check out these articles: Photo by Briana Yablonski © Ask the Experts, LLC. Planting Kale. ; Plant tulip bulbs this month, remembering to avoid shallow planting as this can reduce the winter cold period that tulip bulbs need to produce flowers in spring. After planting, you need to water daily. If you started growing kale in early fall, you can harvest it through fall and winter. Cool, right? HAWAII If you live in a mild-winter region, fall is the … For Late Spring Harvest. Kale is a very hardy plant and will survive really well with night time temperatures down into the mid ’20s. ; Plant Christmas roses (hellebores) now for beautiful winter flowers. Light frost makes the leaves taste sweeter. For a fall harvest, young kale plants can be set out 6 to 8 weeks before the first fall frost. Kale turns bitter once temperatures exceed 80° F. Allow 70 to 95 days after planting until harvest. Now that you know when to plant, you can start planning how it will feature in your garden. SOUTHERN INTERIOR CENTRAL/MIDWEST Kale is … If the plant is growing tall and skinny after winter, high temperatures cause kale to bolt. SOUTHWEST Below are caring tips for your Kale throughout the … I love watching this new life grow when it is still cold and gray outside. She believes that gardening fosters curiosity, continuous learning, and wonder. Cover kale seeds with 1/2 inch of soil, and keep the soil evenly moist (but not soaking wet) for best germination. ALASKA Insect-proof mesh or fine netting (5-7mm mesh) can prevent egg-laying. Try direct sowing seeds outdoors in October and November. Indoor plants are used to warmer temperatures so putting them straight outside with no heat can shock the plant and cause it to die off. Copyright © 2017 GrowThis.com. GULF COAST This is the time to plant your fruit trees. Your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone is an important factor to consider when you are deciding what month to sow kale. Transplant outdoors or direct sow seeds in May and June. Treat your kale to a few freezing nights and it will help transform its starches into natural sugars. In the spring, you can plant seeds outside immediately after the last frost. The pot or container must have at least six square inches of space for the plant to grow in. Maturity: 45 plus days after planting. Start fall crops by planting kale outside in July and August. If you live in a climate that is colder, you can harvest the leaves till fall. In some areas, where summer weather doesn’t get too hot, you can safely plant kale all year round. Preparing Your Growing Space Choose a kale variety that best suits your growing climate. Your email address will not be published. Because they can stand temperatures well below freezing, ornamental kale often lasts through the winter. Then the plant will regrow for another harvest. At this point, the soil will have warmed enough for germination to occur. When there is less daylight, plants will grow more slowly, so successive plantings should be sown closer together, over shorter periods of time. The latest you should try to grow plants from seed depends on what organic gardening writer Eliot Coleman refers to as the Persephone Period, referenced in his book The Winter Harvest Handbook, which is available on Amazon. Some of these links may be affiliate in nature, meaning we earn small commissions if items are purchased. Therefore, I start seeds indoors in trays the first week of March. Kale is a hardy and nutritious plant that can be a valuable food source over the winter months. Plant kale 3 to 5 weeks before the last frost. Skip planting in July if you live in the hotter area of the region. If you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. Kale does not tolerate heat. In May, June, September, and October, space them three weeks apart. COPYRIGHT © 2021 ASK THE EXPERTS LLC. Kale can be grown outside throughout the winter in much of the UK. Varieties: I like Red Russian Kale, which you grow as a baby green. Light & Soil Requirements Kale do well in some cold which means that you can plant them a bit earlier in the year than other frost tender plants. Plant outside through August in most of this region. You can read more about succession planting here. Kale is a cool-weather crop that can tolerate temperatures as low as 20°F (-6.7°C). Side-shoots are formed after the main For baby leaves, the latest you should plant is six weeks before this period. These types of crops do much better when it is cold. The top leaves are the most tender, but if you always harvest from the bottom, the kale plant will grow taller and taller and keep producing. Cut outer leaves so that center can continue growing. You can also plant Brussel sprouts, cabbage, broccoli, radishes, beets, spinach, carrots, kale, and peas if you plant them in a covered area such as a greenhouse, cold frame, or under a row cover. Kale is a cool weather plant and can survive temperatures as cold as 20° F. However, kale seeds need soil temperatures to be at least 40° F for successful germination. If you’re planting during the cool season, do so where your crop will get full sun. In March and November, space successions two weeks apart. NEW ENGLAND Kale, also known as Brassica oleracea var. Book cover image via Chelsea Green Publishing. The plant is most associated with fall, when garden centers bring out the colorful, flowering kale varieties. Kale can be successfully planted from April through August in most of the North Central and Rockies region. These include the time of year, your growing zone, your desired harvest date, and the available growing conditions. Kale is a biennial, so you can harvest it in winter and you will also see a late spurt of growth in spring before the plant goes to seed. As the hardiness zone number increases, the growing season gets longer. Planting Kale Indoors. Here’s a complete guide for when to plant kale for each region of the United States. Kale does best in full sun, but does tolerate partial shade. Kale can be planted in February and March or August and September in the Southern Interior. Depending on your region, this means you should plant seeds directly in the garden from mid-July to mid-September. Whether you’re planting in the spring or fall, this tasty, nutritious green makes a great addition. In-ground gardens, raised beds, and containers are all excellent growing options. The easiest way to harden kale is in a greenhouse or a cloche. Now, she spends many hours planting seeds and moving compost at her market garden. GARDENER'S PATH® IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF ASK THE EXPERTS LLC. In areas where the summer is hot, there are two main planting times: in the early spring and in the fall. The cool of the highlands will likely produce better kale than the hotter, drier lowlands. Check your frost dates. If, however, you would like to be able to harvest kale in winter weather without frost and snow, or have a problem with birds eating your crop then a polytunnel can be a great option. For example, where I live in Zone 7a, the predicted last frost date is April 18. The cool of the highlands will likely produce better kale than the hotter, drier lowlands. There are two common reasons why your kale plant is growing too tall. Kale should be planted indoors in March for a spring crop or outdoors in July for a fall crop in New England. If you’ve ever wondered what makes good soil for planting kale, just like cabbage, kale prefers well-limed soil. Kale will taste best when planted and grown during the cooler months in Hawaii. If you’re deciding when to sow kale, there are a number of factors to consider. Obviously in the fall and winter you plant cold-weather crops. MID-ATLANTIC. Choosing and Preparing a Planting Site. Let us know in the comments section below. Kale is a cool weather crop, so it grows best in the spring and fall and in locations where it can receive plenty of sunlight. Kale plants, when properly cared for—pruned when necessary, watered carefully, harvested intelligently—can last for months, even years. If left to mature for winter greens, plants can be left in the ground through the winter and picked as required for soups and stews. You’ll be able to harvest kale all winter long. If you are starting seedlings indoors, sow four to six weeks before the predicted last frost date. Planting: Set out kale plants in December and you’ll … Uncredited photos: Shutterstock. In mild attacks, or if you have only a few plants, you may be able to pick the caterpillars off. In the fall, you should start seeds early enough that plants have time to mature before the days draw in, and become too short. In May, June, September, and October, space them three weeks apart. Direct seed or transplant kale so that it comes to harvest before daytime temperatures exceed 80°F (26°C). If you’re aiming for full-sized leaves, sow no later than 13 weeks before this period. If you have questions about when to plant seeds in your specific area, feel free to ask in the comments. When other plants in the garden have wilted and died, kale stands tall. In the Mid-Atlantic region, plant kale indoors in February and March. If you prefer to get a jump start on having kale ready early in the growing season, you can start growing your kale inside. In general, kale should be planted 2-4 weeks prior the last frost in the spring. Required fields are marked *. You can also start it indoors as early as February. The Winter Harvest Handbook: Year Round Vegetable Production Using Deep-Organic Techniques and Unheated Greenhouses. Quick Guide to Growing Kale. We link to vendors to help you find relevant products. We have harvested kale in early November! November is still a busy month if you’re in zone 8. Sow seeds 2 inches apart in rows 12 to 18 inches apart. Get seeds started indoors in February and March or direct sow them outside in April.