FrostCal

When to Plant Kale in Tennessee

In a typical Tennessee location, sow outdoors Mar 9 – Mar 23. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Feb 16 in New South Memphis and as late as Mar 24 in Bristol. For a fall crop, plant around Aug 21 – Sep 4.

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
NashvilleMar 4 – Mar 18Aug 22 – Sep 5
New South MemphisFeb 16 – Mar 2Sep 7 – Sep 21
MemphisFeb 16 – Mar 2Sep 7 – Sep 21
KnoxvilleMar 14 – Mar 28Aug 19 – Sep 2
ChattanoogaFeb 24 – Mar 10Aug 31 – Sep 14
ClarksvilleMar 6 – Mar 20Aug 23 – Sep 6
MurfreesboroMar 12 – Mar 26Aug 18 – Sep 1
East ChattanoogaFeb 24 – Mar 10Aug 31 – Sep 14
FranklinMar 6 – Mar 20Aug 22 – Sep 5
CordovaMar 1 – Mar 15Aug 27 – Sep 10
JacksonMar 5 – Mar 19Aug 20 – Sep 3
Johnson CityMar 22 – Apr 5Aug 15 – Aug 29
BartlettMar 1 – Mar 15Aug 27 – Sep 10
HendersonvilleMar 14 – Mar 28Aug 20 – Sep 3
KingsportMar 12 – Mar 26Aug 20 – Sep 3
ColliervilleMar 1 – Mar 15Aug 25 – Sep 8
SmyrnaMar 16 – Mar 30Aug 12 – Aug 26
ClevelandMar 9 – Mar 23Aug 21 – Sep 4
BrentwoodMar 18 – Apr 1Aug 17 – Aug 31
GermantownMar 1 – Mar 15Aug 27 – Sep 10
HermitageMar 4 – Mar 18Aug 26 – Sep 9
ColumbiaMar 13 – Mar 27Aug 18 – Sep 1
Spring HillMar 6 – Mar 20Aug 23 – Sep 6
La VergneMar 16 – Mar 30Aug 12 – Aug 26
GallatinMar 19 – Apr 2Aug 14 – Aug 28
CookevilleMar 17 – Mar 31Aug 16 – Aug 30
Mount JulietMar 4 – Mar 18Aug 26 – Sep 9
LebanonMar 9 – Mar 23Aug 19 – Sep 2
MorristownMar 13 – Mar 27Aug 19 – Sep 2
Oak RidgeMar 8 – Mar 22Aug 23 – Sep 6

Showing the 30 most populous of 70 Tennessee cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Tennessee cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant kale in Tennessee?

In a typical Tennessee location, sow outdoors Mar 9 – Mar 23. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Feb 16 in New South Memphis and as late as Mar 24 in Bristol. For a fall crop, plant around Aug 21 – Sep 4.

When is the last frost in Tennessee?

The average last spring frost in Tennessee ranges from March 16 in New South Memphis to April 21 in Bristol, 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 Tennessee

When to plant kale in other states

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