FrostCal

When to Plant Kale in Maryland

In a typical Maryland location, sow outdoors Mar 6 – Mar 20. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Feb 22 in California and as late as Mar 27 in Westminster. For a fall crop, plant around Aug 28 – Sep 11.

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
BaltimoreFeb 24 – Mar 10Sep 12 – Sep 26
ColumbiaMar 13 – Mar 27Aug 22 – Sep 5
GermantownMar 17 – Mar 31Aug 20 – Sep 3
Silver SpringMar 13 – Mar 27Aug 23 – Sep 6
FrederickMar 5 – Mar 19Aug 28 – Sep 11
WaldorfMar 6 – Mar 20Aug 30 – Sep 13
Glen BurnieMar 13 – Mar 27Aug 22 – Sep 5
GaithersburgMar 4 – Mar 18Aug 28 – Sep 11
RockvilleMar 4 – Mar 18Aug 28 – Sep 11
Ellicott CityMar 13 – Mar 27Aug 22 – Sep 5
DundalkFeb 24 – Mar 10Sep 12 – Sep 26
BethesdaMar 12 – Mar 26Aug 22 – Sep 5
BowieMar 25 – Apr 8Aug 13 – Aug 27
TowsonMar 5 – Mar 19Aug 29 – Sep 12
Aspen HillMar 4 – Mar 18Aug 28 – Sep 11
WheatonMar 4 – Mar 18Aug 28 – Sep 11
Bel Air SouthMar 13 – Mar 27Aug 21 – Sep 4
Gwynn OakMar 5 – Mar 19Aug 29 – Sep 12
PotomacMar 4 – Mar 18Aug 28 – Sep 11
SevernMar 13 – Mar 27Aug 22 – Sep 5
North BethesdaMar 4 – Mar 18Aug 28 – Sep 11
CatonsvilleFeb 24 – Mar 10Sep 12 – Sep 26
AnnapolisFeb 27 – Mar 13Sep 4 – Sep 18
HagerstownMar 14 – Mar 28Aug 19 – Sep 2
EssexFeb 24 – Mar 10Sep 12 – Sep 26
HanoverMar 13 – Mar 27Aug 22 – Sep 5
WoodlawnMar 5 – Mar 19Aug 29 – Sep 12
Severna ParkFeb 27 – Mar 13Sep 4 – Sep 18
OdentonMar 13 – Mar 27Aug 22 – Sep 5
Saint CharlesMar 6 – Mar 20Aug 30 – Sep 13

Showing the 30 most populous of 151 Maryland cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Maryland cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant kale in Maryland?

In a typical Maryland location, sow outdoors Mar 6 – Mar 20. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Feb 22 in California and as late as Mar 27 in Westminster. For a fall crop, plant around Aug 28 – Sep 11.

When is the last frost in Maryland?

The average last spring frost in Maryland ranges from March 22 in California to April 24 in Westminster, 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 Maryland

When to plant kale in other states

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