When to Plant Kale in Alaska

In a typical Alaska location, sow outdoors Apr 18 – May 2. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 7 in Ketchikan and as late as May 14 in Kalifornsky. For a fall crop, plant around Jul 15 – Jul 29.

Method Direct sow

Days to maturity 50–65 days

Cold-hardy; direct sow 2-4 weeks before last frost or start indoors for earlier transplants.

Kale Planting Dates by City

City	Direct sow	Fall planting
Anchorage	Apr 3 – Apr 17	Jul 21 – Aug 4
Fairbanks	Apr 18 – May 2	Jun 28 – Jul 12
Juneau	Mar 23 – Apr 6	Aug 13 – Aug 27
Eagle River	Apr 11 – Apr 25	Jul 18 – Aug 1
Badger	Apr 24 – May 8	Jun 24 – Jul 8
Knik-Fairview	Apr 20 – May 4	Jul 12 – Jul 26
College	Apr 20 – May 4	Jun 28 – Jul 12
Wasilla	Apr 18 – May 2	Jul 15 – Jul 29
Sitka	Apr 5 – Apr 19	Aug 9 – Aug 23
Lakes	Apr 18 – May 2	Jul 15 – Jul 29
Ketchikan	Mar 7 – Mar 21	Aug 31 – Sep 14
Tanaina	Apr 18 – May 2	Jul 15 – Jul 29
Kalifornsky	May 14 – May 28	Jun 23 – Jul 7
Kenai	Apr 26 – May 10	Jul 4 – Jul 18
Meadow Lakes	Apr 18 – May 2	Jul 15 – Jul 29
Palmer	Apr 8 – Apr 22	Jul 17 – Jul 31
Elmendorf Air Force Base	Apr 11 – Apr 25	Jul 18 – Aug 1
Bethel	Apr 23 – May 7	Jul 14 – Jul 28
Kodiak	Apr 1 – Apr 15	Aug 5 – Aug 19
Sterling	Apr 22 – May 6	Jul 13 – Jul 27

Showing the 20 most populous of 20 Alaska cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Alaska cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant kale in Alaska?

When is the last frost in Alaska?

The average last spring frost in Alaska ranges from April 4 in Ketchikan to June 11 in Kalifornsky, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals.

How long do kale take to grow?

Kale typically take 50–65 days from planting to harvest. Cold-hardy; direct sow 2-4 weeks before last frost or start indoors for earlier transplants.

Other Crops in Alaska

When to plant kale in other states