FrostCal

When to Plant Kale in Massachusetts

In a typical Massachusetts location, sow outdoors Mar 28 – Apr 11. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 7 in Boston and as late as Apr 12 in North Adams. For a fall crop, plant around Aug 8 – Aug 22.

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
BostonMar 7 – Mar 21Aug 31 – Sep 14
WorcesterMar 26 – Apr 9Aug 12 – Aug 26
SpringfieldApr 5 – Apr 19Jul 30 – Aug 13
LowellApr 2 – Apr 16Aug 1 – Aug 15
CambridgeMar 7 – Mar 21Aug 31 – Sep 14
New BedfordMar 14 – Mar 28Aug 27 – Sep 10
DorchesterMar 22 – Apr 5Aug 14 – Aug 28
BrocktonMar 25 – Apr 8Aug 10 – Aug 24
Fall RiverMar 14 – Mar 28Aug 24 – Sep 7
QuincyMar 28 – Apr 11Aug 13 – Aug 27
LynnMar 28 – Apr 11Aug 11 – Aug 25
NewtonMar 22 – Apr 5Aug 14 – Aug 28
SomervilleMar 7 – Mar 21Aug 31 – Sep 14
LawrenceMar 16 – Mar 30Aug 19 – Sep 2
FraminghamMar 29 – Apr 12Aug 3 – Aug 17
Framingham CenterMar 29 – Apr 12Aug 3 – Aug 17
WalthamMar 31 – Apr 14Aug 1 – Aug 15
HaverhillApr 3 – Apr 17Aug 3 – Aug 17
MaldenMar 7 – Mar 21Aug 31 – Sep 14
BrooklineMar 22 – Apr 5Aug 14 – Aug 28
MedfordMar 7 – Mar 21Aug 31 – Sep 14
TauntonMar 25 – Apr 8Aug 10 – Aug 24
ChicopeeApr 5 – Apr 19Jul 30 – Aug 13
North ChicopeeApr 5 – Apr 19Jul 30 – Aug 13
WeymouthMar 28 – Apr 11Aug 13 – Aug 27
RevereMar 7 – Mar 21Aug 31 – Sep 14
PeabodyMar 28 – Apr 11Aug 11 – Aug 25
MethuenMar 16 – Mar 30Aug 19 – Sep 2
South PeabodyMar 28 – Apr 11Aug 11 – Aug 25
BarnstableMar 25 – Apr 8Aug 19 – Sep 2

Showing the 30 most populous of 183 Massachusetts cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Massachusetts cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant kale in Massachusetts?

In a typical Massachusetts location, sow outdoors Mar 28 – Apr 11. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 7 in Boston and as late as Apr 12 in North Adams. For a fall crop, plant around Aug 8 – Aug 22.

When is the last frost in Massachusetts?

The average last spring frost in Massachusetts ranges from April 4 in Boston to May 10 in North Adams, 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 Massachusetts

When to plant kale in other states

Related Guides