FrostCal

When to Plant Kale in Wisconsin

In a typical Wisconsin location, sow outdoors Apr 2 – Apr 16. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 22 in Kenosha and as late as Apr 13 in Merrill. For a fall crop, plant around Aug 4 – Aug 18.

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
MilwaukeeMar 29 – Apr 12Aug 13 – Aug 27
MadisonApr 3 – Apr 17Jul 31 – Aug 14
Green BayApr 9 – Apr 23Jul 31 – Aug 14
KenoshaMar 22 – Apr 5Aug 17 – Aug 31
RacineMar 23 – Apr 6Aug 15 – Aug 29
AppletonApr 6 – Apr 20Jul 28 – Aug 11
WaukeshaApr 3 – Apr 17Aug 4 – Aug 18
Eau ClaireMar 27 – Apr 10Aug 5 – Aug 19
OshkoshMar 27 – Apr 10Aug 11 – Aug 25
JanesvilleMar 29 – Apr 12Aug 6 – Aug 20
West AllisMar 29 – Apr 12Aug 13 – Aug 27
La CrosseMar 30 – Apr 13Aug 4 – Aug 18
North La CrosseMar 26 – Apr 9Aug 8 – Aug 22
SheboyganMar 28 – Apr 11Aug 14 – Aug 28
WauwatosaMar 29 – Apr 12Aug 9 – Aug 23
Fond du LacMar 30 – Apr 13Aug 10 – Aug 24
New BerlinApr 5 – Apr 19Aug 5 – Aug 19
WausauApr 8 – Apr 22Jul 26 – Aug 9
BrookfieldApr 2 – Apr 16Aug 5 – Aug 19
GreenfieldApr 5 – Apr 19Aug 5 – Aug 19
BeloitApr 3 – Apr 17Aug 3 – Aug 17
FranklinApr 5 – Apr 19Aug 5 – Aug 19
Menomonee FallsApr 8 – Apr 22Jul 30 – Aug 13
Oak CreekMar 25 – Apr 8Aug 17 – Aug 31
ManitowocApr 2 – Apr 16Aug 11 – Aug 25
Sun PrairieApr 3 – Apr 17Aug 1 – Aug 15
West BendApr 3 – Apr 17Aug 3 – Aug 17
FitchburgApr 3 – Apr 17Jul 31 – Aug 14
Stevens PointApr 6 – Apr 20Jul 29 – Aug 12
SuperiorApr 8 – Apr 22Jul 31 – Aug 14

Showing the 30 most populous of 96 Wisconsin cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Wisconsin cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant kale in Wisconsin?

In a typical Wisconsin location, sow outdoors Apr 2 – Apr 16. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 22 in Kenosha and as late as Apr 13 in Merrill. For a fall crop, plant around Aug 4 – Aug 18.

When is the last frost in Wisconsin?

The average last spring frost in Wisconsin ranges from April 19 in Kenosha to May 11 in Merrill, 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 Wisconsin

When to plant kale in other states

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