When to Plant Kale in New Hampshire
In a typical New Hampshire location, sow outdoors Apr 5 – Apr 19. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 24 in Salem and as late as Apr 16 in Berlin. For a fall crop, plant around Jul 31 – Aug 14.
Cold-hardy; direct sow 2-4 weeks before last frost or start indoors for earlier transplants.
Kale Planting Dates by City
| City | Direct sow | Fall planting |
|---|---|---|
| Manchester | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | Aug 2 – Aug 16 |
| Nashua | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | Aug 3 – Aug 17 |
| Concord | Apr 10 – Apr 24 | Jul 25 – Aug 8 |
| East Concord | Apr 10 – Apr 24 | Jul 25 – Aug 8 |
| Derry Village | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | Aug 2 – Aug 16 |
| Dover | Apr 5 – Apr 19 | Aug 1 – Aug 15 |
| Rochester | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | Jul 31 – Aug 14 |
| Salem | Mar 24 – Apr 7 | Aug 12 – Aug 26 |
| Merrimack | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | Aug 3 – Aug 17 |
| Keene | Apr 16 – Apr 30 | Jul 23 – Aug 6 |
| Derry | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | Aug 2 – Aug 16 |
| Portsmouth | Apr 6 – Apr 20 | Jul 30 – Aug 13 |
| Bedford | Mar 24 – Apr 7 | Aug 10 – Aug 24 |
| Laconia | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | Aug 9 – Aug 23 |
| Lebanon | Apr 11 – Apr 25 | Jul 28 – Aug 11 |
| Windham | Apr 5 – Apr 19 | Jul 30 – Aug 13 |
| Claremont | Apr 16 – Apr 30 | Jul 23 – Aug 6 |
| Pelham | Apr 5 – Apr 19 | Jul 30 – Aug 13 |
| Somersworth | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | Jul 31 – Aug 14 |
| Londonderry | Mar 24 – Apr 7 | Aug 10 – Aug 24 |
| Durham | Apr 10 – Apr 24 | Jul 26 – Aug 9 |
| Hampton | Apr 6 – Apr 20 | Jul 30 – Aug 13 |
| Berlin | Apr 16 – Apr 30 | Jul 22 – Aug 5 |
| Exeter | Apr 6 – Apr 20 | Jul 30 – Aug 13 |
Showing the 24 most populous of 24 New Hampshire cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all New Hampshire cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant kale in New Hampshire?
In a typical New Hampshire location, sow outdoors Apr 5 – Apr 19. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 24 in Salem and as late as Apr 16 in Berlin. For a fall crop, plant around Jul 31 – Aug 14.
When is the last frost in New Hampshire?
The average last spring frost in New Hampshire ranges from April 21 in Salem to May 14 in Berlin, 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 New Hampshire
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Eggplant
- Cucumbers
- Zucchini
- Winter Squash
- Pumpkins
- Watermelon
- Cantaloupe
- Corn
- Green Beans
- Peas
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Arugula
- Swiss Chard
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Brussels Sprouts
- Carrots
- Beets
- Radishes
- Turnips
- Onions
- Garlic
- Potatoes
- Sweet Potatoes
- Asparagus
- Basil
- Cilantro
- Parsley
- Dill
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Sunflowers
- Zinnias
- Marigolds
- Cosmos
- Nasturtiums
- Dahlias
When to plant kale in other states