FrostCal

When to Plant Kale in Kentucky

In a typical Kentucky location, sow outdoors Mar 15 – Mar 29. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 3 in Louisville and as late as Apr 3 in Shelbyville. For a fall crop, plant around Aug 19 – Sep 2.

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
LouisvilleMar 3 – Mar 17Aug 31 – Sep 14
LexingtonMar 16 – Mar 30Aug 19 – Sep 2
Lexington-FayetteMar 16 – Mar 30Aug 19 – Sep 2
MeadsMar 25 – Apr 8Aug 14 – Aug 28
Bowling GreenMar 8 – Mar 22Aug 22 – Sep 5
OwensboroMar 6 – Mar 20Aug 24 – Sep 7
CovingtonMar 19 – Apr 2Aug 16 – Aug 30
RichmondMar 18 – Apr 1Aug 13 – Aug 27
GeorgetownMar 16 – Mar 30Aug 19 – Sep 2
FlorenceMar 21 – Apr 4Aug 16 – Aug 30
HopkinsvilleMar 7 – Mar 21Aug 24 – Sep 7
NicholasvilleMar 10 – Mar 24Aug 23 – Sep 6
ElizabethtownMar 19 – Apr 2Aug 16 – Aug 30
HendersonMar 12 – Mar 26Aug 17 – Aug 31
FrankfortMar 18 – Apr 1Aug 15 – Aug 29
JeffersontownMar 6 – Mar 20Aug 25 – Sep 8
IndependenceMar 21 – Apr 4Aug 16 – Aug 30
PaducahMar 9 – Mar 23Aug 18 – Sep 1
Valley StationMar 3 – Mar 17Aug 29 – Sep 12
RadcliffMar 19 – Apr 2Aug 16 – Aug 30
AshlandMar 25 – Apr 8Aug 14 – Aug 28
NewburgMar 9 – Mar 23Aug 23 – Sep 6
MadisonvilleMar 5 – Mar 19Aug 23 – Sep 6
MurrayMar 8 – Mar 22Aug 23 – Sep 6
ErlangerMar 21 – Apr 4Aug 16 – Aug 30
WinchesterMar 23 – Apr 6Aug 10 – Aug 24
Fern CreekMar 9 – Mar 23Aug 23 – Sep 6
Saint MatthewsMar 6 – Mar 20Aug 25 – Sep 8
OkolonaMar 9 – Mar 23Aug 23 – Sep 6
DanvilleMar 12 – Mar 26Aug 18 – Sep 1

Showing the 30 most populous of 52 Kentucky cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Kentucky cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant kale in Kentucky?

In a typical Kentucky location, sow outdoors Mar 15 – Mar 29. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 3 in Louisville and as late as Apr 3 in Shelbyville. For a fall crop, plant around Aug 19 – Sep 2.

When is the last frost in Kentucky?

The average last spring frost in Kentucky ranges from March 31 in Louisville to May 1 in Shelbyville, 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 Kentucky

When to plant kale in other states

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