When to plant kale in Canberra

Kale is cold-hardy, so every date keys off Canberra's frost dates of Oct 10.
Step 1 · Sow
Start seeds indoors
Aug 29 – Sep 19
Before your last frost, on a warm windowsill or heat mat.
Step 2 · Plant
Transplant outdoors
Sep 19 – Oct 10
Once frost risk has passed and nights stay mild.
Step 3 · Harvest
Harvest window
Nov 13 – Dec 3
Picking runs until conditions turn against the crop.
Step 4 · Second sowing
Autumn / second sowing
Jan 22 – Feb 5
A second window for a fall crop, timed to mature before the first frost.
Step 5 · Second harvest
Autumn crop harvest
Mar 25 – Apr 14
Maturity window for the second sowing.
Window
Days to maturity
55 – 75 d
Canberra's 204-day season leaves this much room.
Kale on Canberra's growing year
Frost-bounded season with crops mapped onto the 12-month axis.
Frost risk Growing Harvest
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
OCT 10
APR 28

Common questions

When can I sow kale outdoors in Canberra?

Direct-sow around mid September (Sep 19–Oct 10) in Canberra, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 83%.

When will kale be ready to harvest in Canberra?

Expect to harvest from around mid November (Nov 13–Dec 3) in Canberra, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 75%.

When should I start kale seeds indoors in Canberra?

Start seeds indoors around late August (Aug 29–Sep 19) in Canberra, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 79%.

When can I transplant kale outdoors in Canberra?

Transplant outdoors around mid September (Sep 19–Oct 10) in Canberra, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 83%.

Can I plant kale in autumn in Canberra?

Yes — Canberra supports a second, autumn sowing of kale around late January (Jan 22–Feb 5), timed to mature before the first fall frost.

How long is the growing season in Canberra?

Canberra has roughly 204 frost-free days, which is enough time to grow kale to maturity outdoors.

The rule of thumb

Sow kale as soon as the soil is workable — it tolerates cool weather and light frost. Every date on this page is derived from that rule and Canberra's frost dates.

Confidence 83/100 · Curated · based on NOAA GHCN-Daily 1991–2020 normal · frost dates are probabilities, not guarantees.