Eating Garden

How to Grow Kale

Brassica oleracea var. acephala

A cold-tough leafy green that can keep making harvests well into fall.

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At a glance

  • Difficulty

    Easy

    1 of 5 · More shovels, more care

  • Sunlight

    Full sun

  • Water

    Average thirst

  • First harvest

    50 to 55 days

    from sowing

  • Growing in a pot

    Suitable for pots

  • Plant spacing

    8 to 12 in apart

More about this plant

Plant kale in cool weather, keep it growing steadily and take the older outer leaves first. Cool fall weather improves the flavor, while summer heat makes leaves tough and strong.

  • Grows over two seasons.
  • Can grow in raised beds, the open ground.
  • Fine in a small space.
  • A good one to grow together with children.

Make it your plan

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What are you starting with?
Where will it grow?

Your plan, starting Nov 10, 2026

Estimated harvest: Dec 30, 2026 – Jan 4, 2027. Add your location to compare this date with local planting windows. Your chosen date stays the same.

Add your location to compare this date with local planting windows. Your chosen date stays the same.

Estimated first harvest

Dec 30, 2026 – Jan 4, 2027

Counted from sowing. Variety, plant age, weather, and care can change this estimate.

Pick leaves when they reach a useful size. Young leaves are tender; larger leaves are better cooked.

Cool weather below about 75F. Young plants tolerate frost around 25F, and established fall plants can keep producing after colder weather.

First, gather a few things

  • Kale seeds
  • A draining pot with room for the roots
  • Potting mix that drains well
  • A watering can or hose

Get ready

Do these before you put the plant or seeds in place.

  1. Start here

    1. Plant before warm weather

    Sow or transplant four to five weeks before the last spring frost, or plant again for fall.

Start or plant it

Follow the steps for the way you chose to start.

  1. 1. Sow shallowly

    Cover seed a quarter to half an inch and keep the surface moist.

Water

Check the soil first. Heat, rain, and pots can change how often this plant needs water.

  1. 1. Check before you water

    Push a finger about 1 inch into the soil. Water when it feels dry there.

  2. 2. Water the roots

    Water slowly at the base until the soil feels moist a few inches down. For a pot, water until a little runs out of the drainage holes.

    About one inch of rain or irrigation a week is a useful start. Water deeply and check sandy soil more often.

Need help judging moisture? Read how to check the soil and water the roots.

If the plant looks unhappy

  • Too dry

    Leaves become tough, strong tasting and slow to grow.

    If the soil is dry, water deeply and check it again tomorrow.

  • Too wet

    Soggy ground can weaken roots and raise disease risk.

    If the soil is wet, wait before watering again and check that excess water can drain away.

While it grows

Check on your plant and do these jobs as they come up.

  1. 1. Thin for full-size leaves

    Leave about 8 to 12 inches between plants. Closer plants make baby leaves.

  2. 2. Watch for leaf chewers

    Check under leaves for small caterpillars and aphids, especially while plants are young.

Looking after it

  • FeedingAn occasional feed helpsUse compost and follow a soil test. If needed, feed lightly once plants are about four inches tall.
  • ThinningThin seedlings to 10 in apartCrowded seedlings stay small. Pull the weaker ones and keep the strongest.
  • MulchA weed-free organic mulch holds water and reduces shallow hoeing.

Pick and store it

Use the plant's signs of readiness, then harvest gently.

  1. 1. Check if it is ready

    Pick leaves when they reach a useful size. Young leaves are tender; larger leaves are better cooked.

  2. 2. Pick it

    Remove the oldest outer leaves first and leave the small center leaves to keep growing. You can also cut the whole plant near the soil.

  3. 3. Keep it fresh

    Cool leaves soon after harvest and refrigerate them. For best quality, use them within about one to three weeks.

More picking tips

  1. 1. Pick outside leaves

    Take the oldest leaves and leave the center growing for the next harvest.

Common problems

    Common mistakes

    • Growing through strong summer heat

      Hot weather slows kale and makes the leaves tough and bitter. Plan for spring or fall.

    • Letting plants dry out

      Water stress makes stronger-tasting leaves and slows new growth.

    • Cutting the center

      The middle growing point makes the next leaves. Harvest older outer leaves first.

    Companion plants for kale

    Some of this is measured in trials and some is long-standing garden practice. Each note below says which it is.

    Good together

    Trials show a real benefit:

    • Mustard or arugula (flea beetle trap crop)Spicy greens such as mustard, arugula and napa cabbage draw flea beetles away; mixing three or more works best.Measured in trials

    Extension programs recommend this pairing:

    • Clover ground coverA low clover cover around cabbage-family plants makes them harder for cabbage root fly to find.Recommended by extension programs
    How to choose companion plants

    Questions about kale

    Tap a question to see the answer.

    Will kale grow where I live?

    Cool weather below about 75F. Young plants tolerate frost around 25F, and established fall plants can keep producing after colder weather.

    • LightFull sun
    • ShadeCopes with a little shade
    • SeasonA cool season cropUsually grown in spring, fall, or winter.
    • FrostSurvives a hard freeze
    • HeatStruggles in heat

    What soil is best for kale?

    • Soil pH6.0 to 7.5A cheap test kit from a garden centre will tell you yours.
    • Soil it likesLoam, Sandy, Clay
    • DrainageWants well drained ground
    • RichnessWants rich ground

    Use fertile, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter. Finished compost helps steady leaf growth.

    Test the soil before feeding. Do not use fresh manure or weed-and-feed products.

    Before changing your soil, learn how to test soil acidity and understand the result.

    When and how deep do I plant kale?

    When to plant

    Match these relative steps to your local seasons. Where frost applies, use the last freezing night in spring and the first in fall. In frost-free climates, follow trusted local seasonal guidance.

    • Sow outdoors 4 to 5 weeks before your last spring frostDirect sow about four to five weeks before the last frost-free date.
    • Start indoors 8 to 9 weeks before your last spring frostStart seedlings five to six weeks before a transplant date four to five weeks before the last frost.
    • Sow outdoors 10 to 12 weeks before your first fall frostSow a fall crop about three months before the average first fall frost.
    • Ready to pick about 50 to 55 days from sowing.

    What you need

    • How to start itFrom seed or a young plantYou can sow it straight into the ground, or start it indoors first.
    • How deep to plant0.25 to 0.5 in
      Planting depth: 0.25 to 0.5 in below the soil surface. Drawing is not to scale.
    • How far apart8 to 12 inLeave 18 to 24 in between rows.
      Leave 8 to 12 in between plants and 18 to 24 in between rows. View from above; drawing is not to scale.

    What happens to kale through the year?

    Measured from your first fall frost, because seasons differ from garden to garden. In frost-free climates, use trusted local seasonal guidance alongside these relative steps.

    1. Sow outdoors

      10 to 12 weeks before your first fall frost

    2. Start seeds indoors

      8 to 9 weeks before your last spring frost

    3. Sow outdoors

      4 to 5 weeks before your last spring frost

    How do I give kale a better start?

    Simple ways to help your kale grow, from the soil up.

    • Start with good soil

      Use fertile, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter. Finished compost helps steady leaf growth.

    • Give the soil a cover

      A weed-free organic mulch holds water and reduces shallow hoeing.

    • Make room to grow

      Thin seedlings to 10 inches apart.

    • Feed with care

      Use compost and follow a soil test. If needed, feed lightly once plants are about four inches tall.

    Test the soil before feeding. Do not use fresh manure or weed-and-feed products.

    Does frost hurt kale?

    Kale handles frost well, and cool fall weather can improve its flavor. Protect small plants from severe cold.

    How do I harvest kale more than once?

    Pick older outer leaves and leave the small center leaves in place.

    Why is my kale bitter?

    Heat or dry soil can make the flavor strong. Keep water steady and grow it in cooler weather.

    Can I eat small kale leaves?

    Yes. Baby leaves are tender and can be picked while plants are still close together.

    Helpful gardening guides

    Dig into the next thing you need, from starting a garden to getting watering right.

    Starting your first garden? Choose your space and get it ready, then plan local planting times.

    Browse all gardening guides

    Also filed under: Vegetables

    Where this came from

    Advice varies with your climate and variety. Check the sources behind each section.

    Sources & review dates
    Timing
    Utah State University Extension, How to Grow Kale in Your Garden · checked 2026-09-15 · Days to maturity taken from the recommended varieties: Red Russian 50 days, Starbor and Scarlet 55 days. Leaves can be picked smaller and earlier than this.
    University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, UC Master Gardener Program, Time of planting · checked 2026-09-24 · Where frost is rare, cool-season crops are timed to months averaging 55°F to 75°F.
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