When to plant Kale in Zone 3a
In Zone 3a, Kale: start seeds indoors around Apr 13–Apr 27; transplant outdoors around May 11–May 25; direct sow outdoors around May 11–Jun 8; direct sow outdoors around Jun 16–Jul 14. Expect to harvest around Jul 10–Jul 24.
| Step | When |
|---|---|
| Start seeds indoors | Apr 13 – Apr 27 |
| Transplant outdoors | May 11 – May 25 |
| Direct sow outdoors | May 11 – Jun 8 |
| Direct sow outdoors | Jun 16 – Jul 14 |
| Harvest | Jul 10 – Jul 24 |
| Harvest | Jul 10 – Aug 7 |
| Harvest | Aug 15 – Sep 12 |
Tip: Frost actually sweetens the leaves. Excellent for fall and overwintering in mild zones.
Zone 3a averages a last spring frost around May 25 and a first fall frost around Sep 8. These are zone averages — look up your ZIP for your exact area.
See the full Zone 3a calendar in the tool →