FrostCal

When to Plant Kale in North Carolina

In a typical North Carolina location, sow outdoors Mar 3 – Mar 17. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Feb 18 in Morehead City and as late as Apr 4 in Boone. For a fall crop, plant around Aug 27 – Sep 10.

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
CharlotteMar 2 – Mar 16Aug 25 – Sep 8
RaleighFeb 28 – Mar 14Aug 30 – Sep 13
GreensboroMar 4 – Mar 18Aug 26 – Sep 9
DurhamMar 5 – Mar 19Aug 26 – Sep 9
Winston-SalemFeb 26 – Mar 12Aug 31 – Sep 14
FayettevilleMar 2 – Mar 16Sep 1 – Sep 15
CaryFeb 28 – Mar 14Aug 30 – Sep 13
WilmingtonFeb 19 – Mar 5Sep 11 – Sep 25
High PointMar 2 – Mar 16Aug 27 – Sep 10
AshevilleMar 9 – Mar 23Aug 22 – Sep 5
GreenvilleFeb 27 – Mar 13Aug 30 – Sep 13
ConcordMar 4 – Mar 18Aug 24 – Sep 7
GastoniaFeb 27 – Mar 13Aug 31 – Sep 14
JacksonvilleMar 3 – Mar 17Aug 30 – Sep 13
Chapel HillMar 3 – Mar 17Aug 25 – Sep 8
Rocky MountMar 3 – Mar 17Aug 29 – Sep 12
HuntersvilleMar 2 – Mar 16Aug 25 – Sep 8
BurlingtonMar 1 – Mar 15Aug 31 – Sep 14
WilsonFeb 22 – Mar 8Sep 3 – Sep 17
KannapolisMar 4 – Mar 18Aug 24 – Sep 7
ApexFeb 27 – Mar 13Aug 30 – Sep 13
HickoryMar 3 – Mar 17Aug 26 – Sep 9
Wake ForestMar 7 – Mar 21Aug 26 – Sep 9
Indian TrailMar 3 – Mar 17Aug 27 – Sep 10
MooresvilleMar 12 – Mar 26Aug 19 – Sep 2
GoldsboroFeb 28 – Mar 14Sep 3 – Sep 17
MonroeMar 6 – Mar 20Aug 23 – Sep 6
SalisburyMar 9 – Mar 23Aug 21 – Sep 4
Holly SpringsMar 9 – Mar 23Aug 25 – Sep 8
MatthewsMar 3 – Mar 17Aug 27 – Sep 10

Showing the 30 most populous of 95 North Carolina cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all North Carolina cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant kale in North Carolina?

In a typical North Carolina location, sow outdoors Mar 3 – Mar 17. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Feb 18 in Morehead City and as late as Apr 4 in Boone. For a fall crop, plant around Aug 27 – Sep 10.

When is the last frost in North Carolina?

The average last spring frost in North Carolina ranges from March 18 in Morehead City to May 2 in Boone, 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 North Carolina

When to plant kale in other states

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