When to Plant Kale in South Dakota
In a typical South Dakota location, sow outdoors Apr 8 – Apr 22. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 29 in Tea and as late as Apr 14 in Ellsworth Air Force Base. For a fall crop, plant around Jul 25 – Aug 8.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Sioux Falls | Apr 3 – Apr 17 | Jul 28 – Aug 11 |
| Rapid City | Apr 5 – Apr 19 | Jul 30 – Aug 13 |
| Aberdeen | Apr 10 – Apr 24 | Jul 21 – Aug 4 |
| Brookings | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | Jul 23 – Aug 6 |
| Watertown | Apr 9 – Apr 23 | Jul 22 – Aug 5 |
| Mitchell | Apr 4 – Apr 18 | Jul 28 – Aug 11 |
| Yankton | Mar 30 – Apr 13 | Aug 2 – Aug 16 |
| Pierre | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | Jul 25 – Aug 8 |
| Huron | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | Jul 24 – Aug 7 |
| Spearfish | Apr 14 – Apr 28 | Jul 24 – Aug 7 |
| Vermillion | Apr 5 – Apr 19 | Jul 25 – Aug 8 |
| Brandon | Apr 3 – Apr 17 | Jul 28 – Aug 11 |
| Box Elder | Apr 14 – Apr 28 | Jul 23 – Aug 6 |
| Rapid Valley | Apr 5 – Apr 19 | Jul 30 – Aug 13 |
| Ellsworth Air Force Base | Apr 14 – Apr 28 | Jul 23 – Aug 6 |
| Madison | Apr 7 – Apr 21 | Jul 22 – Aug 5 |
| Sturgis | Apr 10 – Apr 24 | Jul 25 – Aug 8 |
| Belle Fourche | Apr 12 – Apr 26 | Jul 22 – Aug 5 |
| Harrisburg | Apr 4 – Apr 18 | Jul 24 – Aug 7 |
| Tea | Mar 29 – Apr 12 | Aug 4 – Aug 18 |
Showing the 20 most populous of 20 South Dakota cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all South Dakota cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant kale in South Dakota?
In a typical South Dakota location, sow outdoors Apr 8 – Apr 22. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 29 in Tea and as late as Apr 14 in Ellsworth Air Force Base. For a fall crop, plant around Jul 25 – Aug 8.
When is the last frost in South Dakota?
The average last spring frost in South Dakota ranges from April 26 in Tea to May 12 in Ellsworth Air Force Base, 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 South 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