Zone 5 · Leafy Greens Growing Guide

When to Plant Kale
in Zone 5

Cold-hardy superfood that actually tastes better after frost. One of the most productive crops per square foot. Can harvest outer leaves all season.

Plant outdoors
Apr 1 – Aug 20
Start indoors
Feb 15 – Mar 1
Last Frost
~Apr 15
Days to harvest
50–65 days
Difficulty
Easy
Plant now — Zone 5
Harvest window: May – Dec

Planting Calendar

In Zone 5, Kale should be planted outdoors Apr 1 – Aug 20, after the average last frost date of approximately Apr 15. Start seeds indoors around Feb 15 – Mar 1 for a head start.

Very productive zone for kale. Fall crop survives until hard freeze in December.

Care Guide

Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade · 4–8 hrs/day
Watering
Regular
Spacing
12–18 inches
Soil
Fertile, well-draining
Days to maturity
50–65 days
Soil pH
6.0–7.5
plant tip · Zone 5

Very productive zone for kale. Fall crop survives until hard freeze in December.

Feeding Schedule

How often
monthly
Feed type
high nitrogen
Key timing
throughout growing season

Leafy crop that loves nitrogen. Feed monthly with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer. Reduce feeding in the final 4 weeks before harvest.

Succession Planting

Sow every 4 weeks

Sow every 4 weeks from spring through midsummer. Kale improves after frost — a late summer sowing gives your best autumn and winter harvests.

Companion Planting for Kale

What you plant next to kale makes a real difference — some plants actively help, others compete or attract pests.

Grows well with
  • Beets
  • Celery
  • Herbs
  • Onions
  • Potatoes
Keep away from
  • Beans
  • Strawberries
  • Tomatoes

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Common questions

In Zone 5, start kale seeds indoors around Feb 15 – Mar 1, then transplant outdoors Apr 1 – Aug 20 after your last frost around Apr 15. Very productive zone for kale. Fall crop survives until hard freeze in December.
Zone 5 has an average last spring frost of approximately Apr 15 and a first fall frost around Oct 15. These dates vary by specific location — use your ZIP code in the plant app for precision based on the nearest NOAA weather station.
Good companion crops for kale include Beets, Celery, Herbs, Onions, Potatoes. Avoid planting near Beans, Strawberries, Tomatoes, which can compete for nutrients or attract pests.
Kale typically takes 50–65 days from transplant or direct sow to harvest in Zone 5. Expected harvest window: May – Dec.

Recipes using this crop

Great ways to use your harvest — see all recipes

Sides & Snacks

Crispy Kale Chips

25 min · easy

Sides & Snacks

Massaged Kale Salad

15 min · easy

Free app · iOS February 2028

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Kale in other zones
Crop Guides