FrostCal

When to Plant Kale in California

In a typical California location, sow outdoors Dec 19 – Jan 2. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Dec 1 in San Mateo and as late as Apr 29 in Big Bear City. For a fall crop, plant around Oct 9 – Oct 23. 103 cities in California are essentially frost-free and can plant on a year-round schedule.

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

CityDirect sowFall planting
Los AngelesFrost-free: year-round planting
San DiegoFrost-free: year-round planting
San JoseDec 5 – Dec 19Oct 16 – Oct 30
San FranciscoFrost-free: year-round planting
FresnoDec 17 – Dec 31Oct 5 – Oct 19
SacramentoDec 15 – Dec 29Oct 7 – Oct 21
Long BeachFrost-free: year-round planting
OaklandFrost-free: year-round planting
BakersfieldJan 3 – Jan 17Sep 29 – Oct 13
AnaheimFrost-free: year-round planting
RiversideDec 12 – Dec 26Oct 16 – Oct 30
Santa AnaFrost-free: year-round planting
StocktonJan 8 – Jan 22Sep 29 – Oct 13
Chula VistaFrost-free: year-round planting
IrvineFrost-free: year-round planting
FremontDec 10 – Dec 24Oct 13 – Oct 27
San BernardinoDec 30 – Jan 13Oct 10 – Oct 24
FontanaDec 13 – Dec 27Oct 24 – Nov 7
ModestoJan 3 – Jan 17Sep 26 – Oct 10
OxnardFrost-free: year-round planting
Moreno ValleyDec 30 – Jan 13Oct 10 – Oct 24
Huntington BeachFrost-free: year-round planting
GlendaleDec 5 – Dec 19Oct 17 – Oct 31
Santa ClaritaDec 11 – Dec 25Oct 23 – Nov 6
Santa RosaJan 28 – Feb 11Sep 22 – Oct 6
OceansideFrost-free: year-round planting
Garden GroveFrost-free: year-round planting
Rancho CucamongaDec 7 – Dec 21Oct 21 – Nov 4
OntarioDec 7 – Dec 21Oct 21 – Nov 4
Elk GroveJan 5 – Jan 19Sep 23 – Oct 7

Showing the 30 most populous of 530 California cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all California cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant kale in California?

In a typical California location, sow outdoors Dec 19 – Jan 2. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Dec 1 in San Mateo and as late as Apr 29 in Big Bear City. For a fall crop, plant around Oct 9 – Oct 23. 103 cities in California are essentially frost-free and can plant on a year-round schedule.

When is the last frost in California?

The average last spring frost in California ranges from January 1 in Palm Springs to December 31 in Sunland, 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 California

When to plant kale in other states

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