FrostCal

When to Plant Kale in Indiana

In a typical Indiana location, sow outdoors Mar 25 – Apr 8. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 1 in Evansville and as late as Apr 4 in Auburn. For a fall crop, plant around Aug 12 – Aug 26.

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
IndianapolisMar 23 – Apr 6Aug 12 – Aug 26
Fort WayneMar 27 – Apr 10Aug 12 – Aug 26
EvansvilleMar 1 – Mar 15Sep 1 – Sep 15
South BendMar 26 – Apr 9Aug 14 – Aug 28
CarmelMar 24 – Apr 7Aug 12 – Aug 26
BloomingtonMar 18 – Apr 1Aug 17 – Aug 31
HammondMar 26 – Apr 9Aug 11 – Aug 25
GaryMar 25 – Apr 8Aug 18 – Sep 1
FishersMar 24 – Apr 7Aug 12 – Aug 26
LafayetteMar 29 – Apr 12Aug 9 – Aug 23
MuncieMar 19 – Apr 2Aug 16 – Aug 30
Terre HauteMar 18 – Apr 1Aug 10 – Aug 24
NoblesvilleMar 24 – Apr 7Aug 12 – Aug 26
KokomoMar 30 – Apr 13Aug 9 – Aug 23
GreenwoodMar 23 – Apr 6Aug 12 – Aug 26
AndersonMar 22 – Apr 5Aug 14 – Aug 28
ElkhartMar 29 – Apr 12Aug 12 – Aug 26
MishawakaMar 26 – Apr 9Aug 14 – Aug 28
LawrenceMar 21 – Apr 4Aug 17 – Aug 31
JeffersonvilleMar 3 – Mar 17Aug 31 – Sep 14
ColumbusMar 14 – Mar 28Aug 16 – Aug 30
West LafayetteMar 29 – Apr 12Aug 9 – Aug 23
PortageMar 25 – Apr 8Aug 18 – Sep 1
WestfieldMar 24 – Apr 7Aug 12 – Aug 26
New AlbanyMar 3 – Mar 17Aug 31 – Sep 14
RichmondMar 27 – Apr 10Aug 11 – Aug 25
MerrillvilleMar 25 – Apr 8Aug 16 – Aug 30
GoshenMar 29 – Apr 12Aug 12 – Aug 26
ValparaisoMar 25 – Apr 8Aug 16 – Aug 30
Michigan CityMar 22 – Apr 5Aug 18 – Sep 1

Showing the 30 most populous of 88 Indiana cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Indiana cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant kale in Indiana?

In a typical Indiana location, sow outdoors Mar 25 – Apr 8. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 1 in Evansville and as late as Apr 4 in Auburn. For a fall crop, plant around Aug 12 – Aug 26.

When is the last frost in Indiana?

The average last spring frost in Indiana ranges from March 29 in Evansville to May 2 in Auburn, 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 Indiana

When to plant kale in other states

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