In zone 7, plant kale outside around March 20, about four weeks before your last spring frost, as seed or transplants. For a fall crop, which tastes even better after frost, the last sowing date is about August 14.
Kale dates for your ZIP code
Planting times based on university extension guidance (UNH, Cornell, Purdue, Minnesota, Nebraska and UMass Extension). Frost dates from NOAA 1991–2020 U.S. Climate Normals, nearest weather station. Zones derived from the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map data (PRISM Climate Group, Oregon State University). This is not the official USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.
Kale timing in zone 7
| Task | When |
|---|---|
| Start indoors (optional) | February 6 – February 20 |
| Plant outside | March 20 |
| First harvest | May 14 – June 3 |
| Sow for fall by | August 14 |
| Thin seedlings | To 8–12 inches apart |
| Sow for fall | About three months before your first frost |
| Harvest | Larger leaves as needed, into winter |
Most of zone 7 sees its last spring frost between April 10 and April 26 (typical April 17) and its first fall frost between October 18 and October 29 (typical October 23). Kale is very cold tolerant and keeps producing well past the first fall frosts. The tool above uses the weather station closest to your ZIP code.
Why kale is planted early and late
Kale is one of the most cold-tolerant vegetables. It handles frost, keeps producing well past the first fall frosts, and the cooler the weather, the better it tastes. That is why it goes out about four weeks before the last spring frost and is sown again in summer for fall.
Best kale varieties for zone 7
In zone 7, kale grows in spring and fall, and often survives winter for an early spring harvest.
- Curly kale: Winterbor, Vates (slow to bolt) and Dwarf Siberian.
- Colorful kale: Redbor and the Nagoya mix.
- Red Russian kale has tender, flat leaves.
How to plant kale
- Sow seeds directly ¼–½ inch deep, or start transplants indoors about four weeks before planting out.
- Space rows 18–30 inches apart.
- Thin seedlings to 8–12 inches apart, or 4 inches for baby greens.
- Set transplants about 8 inches apart in rows 18 inches apart.
- Keep the soil evenly moist for tender leaves.
Zone 7 kale tips
- Plant twice. Sow in early spring for summer greens, and again in summer for a fall and winter crop.
- Let frost sweeten it. Fall kale tastes best after the first frosts.
- Harvest the lower, larger leaves and let the top keep growing.
- Watch for aphids and cabbage worms, the most serious kale pests.
Harvesting kale
Pick leaves as soon as they reach a usable size, taking the larger ones and leaving the small ones to grow. You’ll get many harvests from the same plants. You can also cut the whole plant just above the soil. Leaves can be harvested even after they freeze.
Kale planting dates in nearby zones
See dates for every zone on the kale planting guide, or build a full schedule with the planting calendar.
Frequently asked questions
Is it too late to plant kale in zone 7 in April?
No. Kale handles a wide range of temperatures. Sow now for summer greens, and again by about August 14 for fall.
Does kale survive winter in zone 7?
Often, yes. Some plants come through winter and give you an early crop of leaves in spring.
Can kale handle frost?
Yes. Kale is very cold tolerant, and frost actually improves its flavor.
How do I harvest kale so it keeps growing?
Pick the larger leaves and leave the small ones in the center. The plant keeps producing new leaves.
Can I eat ornamental kale?
Grow eating varieties instead. Ornamental kale is bred for color and used mainly as a garnish.
Sources. Planting dates use the median frost dates of each USDA zone, calculated from NOAA climate data for every ZIP code in the zone.