How to Grow Kale
Brassica oleracea (Acephala group)
By Efraín Vega · Published October 8, 2026
Sun
Full sun; tolerates partial shade (4–6 hrs of direct light)
Water
Even, consistent moisture
Spacing
12–24 in apart for full plants; 2–4 in for baby-leaf harvests
Soil pH
6.2–6.5
Days to maturity
40–80 days from seed, by variety
Hardiness zones
Cool-season annual in all US zones; survives 15–20°F
When to plant: 3–4 weeks before the last spring frost, and about 65–69 days before the first fall frost
Kale is one of the hardiest greens you can grow: it shrugs off frost and handles temperatures down to about 15–20°F. Plant it in early spring or late summer, space plants 12–24 inches apart, and start harvesting in 40–80 days depending on the variety.
In most of the US, a late-summer planting keeps producing well into late fall.
When should you plant kale?
University of Maryland Extension gives two windows:
- Spring: sow as soon as the soil can be worked, about 3–4 weeks before your last frost.
- Fall: sow about 65–69 days before your first fall frost, so plants mature as the weather cools.
Many gardeners prefer the fall crop: plants mature in cool weather, which kale handles well.
How far apart should you plant kale?
It depends on how you'll harvest:
| Harvest style | Spacing |
|---|---|
| Full-size plants, picked leaf by leaf | 12–24 in apart |
| Baby leaves, cut repeatedly | 2–4 in apart |
In a 4 ft wide raised bed, two staggered rows of full-size plants fit comfortably.
Does kale need full sun?
Full sun gives the fastest growth, but kale tolerates partial shade — about 4–6 hours of direct light — which makes it a good crop for a bed that gets afternoon shade.
Watch for caterpillars
Maryland Extension lists the imported cabbageworm, cabbage looper, harlequin bug and whiteflies as common kale pests. Check the undersides of leaves often; a lightweight row cover keeps moths from laying eggs.
How do you harvest kale?
Pick the lower, outer leaves once they're about the size of your hand, and leave the growing center intact. The plant keeps pushing out new leaves from the top for weeks — in fall, often until a hard freeze.
Planning a greens bed? The Raised Bed Soil Calculator sizes the fill, and a garden fence keeps rabbits off the leaves.
Sources: Growing Leafy Greens in a Home Garden — UMD Extension, Target Soil pH Values for Vegetable Crops — UMD Extension.
Companion plants
Onions, Lettuce, Beets
FAQ
Does frost hurt kale?
No — kale is hardy. University of Maryland Extension notes it can handle heavy frosts in spring and fall and temperatures of 15–20°F. Many gardeners find leaves taste sweeter after a frost.
How do I harvest kale so it keeps growing?
Pick the lower, outer leaves and leave the center bud alone. The plant keeps producing new leaves from the top for weeks.
What's eating holes in my kale?
Usually caterpillars like the imported cabbageworm or cabbage looper. Check the undersides of leaves and hand-pick them, or cover young plants with a lightweight row cover.
How often should you water kale?
Keep the soil evenly and consistently moist.
How long does kale take to grow?
40–80 days from seed, depending on the variety. Baby leaves are ready sooner.
