When to Plant Kale in North Dakota
In a typical North Dakota location, sow outdoors Apr 12 – Apr 26. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 6 in Wahpeton and as late as Apr 23 in Beulah. For a fall crop, plant around Jul 22 – Aug 5.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Fargo | Apr 7 – Apr 21 | Jul 25 – Aug 8 |
| Bismarck | Apr 12 – Apr 26 | Jul 22 – Aug 5 |
| Grand Forks | Apr 12 – Apr 26 | Jul 23 – Aug 6 |
| Minot | Apr 12 – Apr 26 | Jul 23 – Aug 6 |
| West Fargo | Apr 12 – Apr 26 | Jul 22 – Aug 5 |
| Williston | Apr 23 – May 7 | Jul 13 – Jul 27 |
| Dickinson | Apr 22 – May 6 | Jul 14 – Jul 28 |
| Mandan | Apr 15 – Apr 29 | Jul 19 – Aug 2 |
| Jamestown | Apr 10 – Apr 24 | Jul 21 – Aug 4 |
| Wahpeton | Apr 6 – Apr 20 | Jul 25 – Aug 8 |
| Devils Lake | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | Jul 27 – Aug 10 |
| Watford City | Apr 11 – Apr 25 | Jul 19 – Aug 2 |
| Valley City | Apr 15 – Apr 29 | Jul 18 – Aug 1 |
| Minot Air Force Base | Apr 13 – Apr 27 | Jul 21 – Aug 4 |
| Grafton | Apr 6 – Apr 20 | Jul 29 – Aug 12 |
| Lincoln | Apr 16 – Apr 30 | Jul 22 – Aug 5 |
| Beulah | Apr 23 – May 7 | Jul 12 – Jul 26 |
| Rugby | Apr 19 – May 3 | Jul 15 – Jul 29 |
| Stanley | Apr 19 – May 3 | Jul 15 – Jul 29 |
| Horace | Apr 6 – Apr 20 | Jul 24 – Aug 7 |
Showing the 20 most populous of 20 North Dakota cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all North Dakota cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant kale in North Dakota?
In a typical North Dakota location, sow outdoors Apr 12 – Apr 26. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 6 in Wahpeton and as late as Apr 23 in Beulah. For a fall crop, plant around Jul 22 – Aug 5.
When is the last frost in North Dakota?
The average last spring frost in North Dakota ranges from May 4 in Wahpeton to May 21 in Beulah, 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 Dakota
- 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