When to plant kale in London

Kale is cold-hardy, so every date keys off London's frost dates of Apr 6.
Step 1 · Sow
Start seeds indoors
Feb 23 – Mar 16
Before your last frost, on a warm windowsill or heat mat.
Step 2 · Plant
Transplant outdoors
Mar 16 – Apr 6
Once frost risk has passed and nights stay mild.
Step 3 · Harvest
Harvest window
May 10 – May 30
Picking runs until conditions turn against the crop.
Step 4 · Second sowing
Autumn / second sowing
Aug 12 – Aug 26
A second window for a fall crop, timed to mature before the first frost.
Step 5 · Second harvest
Autumn crop harvest
Oct 13 – Nov 2
Maturity window for the second sowing.
Window
Days to maturity
55 – 75 d
London's 234-day season leaves this much room.
Kale on London'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
APR 6
NOV 16

Common questions

When can I sow kale outdoors in London?

Direct-sow around mid March (Mar 16–Apr 6) in London, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 82%.

When will kale be ready to harvest in London?

Expect to harvest from around early May (May 10–May 30) in London, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 74%.

When should I start kale seeds indoors in London?

Start seeds indoors around late February (Feb 23–Mar 16) in London, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 78%.

When can I transplant kale outdoors in London?

Transplant outdoors around mid March (Mar 16–Apr 6) in London, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 82%.

Can I plant kale in autumn in London?

Yes — London supports a second, autumn sowing of kale around mid August (Aug 12–Aug 26), timed to mature before the first fall frost.

How long is the growing season in London?

London has roughly 234 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 London's frost dates.

Confidence 82/100 · Curated · based on NOAA GHCN-Daily 1991–2020 normal · frost dates are probabilities, not guarantees.