Growing kale: timing, spacing and costs by zone
When to plant kale in Zones 6–9, spacing, and what to know before you commit ground.
Not yet expert-reviewed. Written by BAU Farm Intelligence from public extension and agency sources. Check dates and program details with your local extension office.
When to plant
Kale: cool-season, hardy to frost. Plant when soil reaches 55–75°F. Dates below are averages worked out from each zone's frost dates — check your own field.
- Zone 6b (Boone NC): set out March 20 – April 10; fall planting July 23 – August 13. First picking around May 21 – June 18.
- Zone 7b (Raleigh): set out March 4 – March 25; fall planting August 6 – August 27. First picking around May 5 – June 2.
- Zone 8b (Charleston SC): set out February 8 – March 1; fall planting August 30 – September 20. First picking around April 11 – May 9.
- Zone 9a (Gainesville FL): set out January 21 – February 11; fall planting September 15 – October 6. First picking around March 24 – April 21.
Setting it up
Direct-seed or transplant (start transplants about 5 weeks ahead). Space plants 12 inches apart in rows 24 inches apart, about 0.5 inch deep. Expect roughly 55 days to first harvest.
Field notes
Harvest outer leaves and leave the growing tip — a single plant can produce for 3+ months.
How it fits each zone
- Zone 6b: excellent — Kale is well suited to Zone 6b. Standard planting dates work with minor adjustments for microclimates.
- Zone 7b: excellent — Kale is well suited to Zone 7b. Standard planting dates work with minor adjustments for microclimates.
- Zone 8b: excellent — Kale is well suited to Zone 8b. Standard planting dates work with minor adjustments for microclimates.
- Zone 9a: good — Cool-season crops bolt fast under Zone 9a heat. Prioritize the fall planting window and use shade cloth for any spring succession.
Before you plant
Line up who will buy it and at what price before seed goes in the ground. See the planting calendar for your exact zone.