FrostCal

When to Plant Kale in Delaware

In a typical Delaware location, sow outdoors Mar 10 – Mar 24. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 2 in Claymont and as late as Mar 22 in Hockessin. For a fall crop, plant around Aug 24 – Sep 7.

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
WilmingtonMar 10 – Mar 24Aug 26 – Sep 9
DoverMar 7 – Mar 21Aug 26 – Sep 9
NewarkMar 10 – Mar 24Aug 24 – Sep 7
MiddletownMar 10 – Mar 24Aug 24 – Sep 7
BearMar 10 – Mar 24Aug 23 – Sep 6
BrooksideMar 10 – Mar 24Aug 24 – Sep 7
GlasgowMar 10 – Mar 24Aug 24 – Sep 7
HockessinMar 22 – Apr 5Aug 17 – Aug 31
SmyrnaMar 7 – Mar 21Aug 26 – Sep 9
Pike Creek ValleyMar 10 – Mar 24Aug 24 – Sep 7
MilfordMar 14 – Mar 28Aug 21 – Sep 4
ClaymontMar 2 – Mar 16Sep 7 – Sep 21
North StarMar 10 – Mar 24Aug 24 – Sep 7
Pike CreekMar 10 – Mar 24Aug 24 – Sep 7
Wilmington ManorMar 10 – Mar 24Aug 23 – Sep 6
SeafordMar 14 – Mar 28Aug 21 – Sep 4
GeorgetownMar 7 – Mar 21Aug 28 – Sep 11
ElsmereMar 10 – Mar 24Aug 26 – Sep 9
EdgemoorMar 10 – Mar 24Aug 26 – Sep 9
New CastleMar 10 – Mar 24Aug 23 – Sep 6

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant kale in Delaware?

In a typical Delaware location, sow outdoors Mar 10 – Mar 24. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 2 in Claymont and as late as Mar 22 in Hockessin. For a fall crop, plant around Aug 24 – Sep 7.

When is the last frost in Delaware?

The average last spring frost in Delaware ranges from March 30 in Claymont to April 19 in Hockessin, 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 Delaware

When to plant kale in other states

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