Growing guide

How to Grow Kale

Tough, cold-hardy leafy green that actually tastes sweeter after frost.

The basics

What kale need

• Sun — Full sun to partial shade
• Water — 1–1.5 inches per week
• Harvest in 50–65 days
• Difficulty — Very easy

When to plant

Time it from your frost date

• Start indoors: 4–6 weeks before last frost
• Transplant: 2–4 weeks before last frost
• Direct sow: Early spring or late summer for fall
• Best in Zones 3–11

How to plant

Three steps to a strong start

• 1. Start indoors or direct-sow ¼ in deep; kale germinates readily.
• 2. Transplant or thin to 12–18 in; it grows into a substantial plant.
• 3. Keep watered and feed occasionally for tender leaves.

Common problem

Cabbage worms (green caterpillars)

Hand-pick or use row cover; Bt is an organic option.

Common problem

Aphids

Blast with water and encourage ladybugs; check leaf undersides.

Harvest

Picking kale right

Pick the outer, lower leaves once they’re hand-sized, leaving the central growing point. A fall crop harvested after frost is noticeably sweeter.

Gardeners ask

Does kale come back every year?

It’s a biennial — it grows leaves the first year and flowers the second. Most gardeners grow it as an annual.

Keep growing

Get the full Kale guide

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