When to plant kale in Auckland
Kale is cold-hardy, so every date keys off Auckland's frost dates of Aug 20.
Step 1 · Sow
Start seeds indoors
Jul 9 – Jul 30
Before your last frost, on a warm windowsill or heat mat.
Step 2 · Plant
Transplant outdoors
Jul 30 – Aug 20
Once frost risk has passed and nights stay mild.
Step 3 · Harvest
Harvest window
Sep 23 – Oct 13
Picking runs until conditions turn against the crop.
Window
Days to maturity
55 – 75 d
Auckland's 294-day season leaves this much room.
Kale on Auckland'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
FROST
AUG 20
JUN 10
Common questions
When can I sow kale outdoors in Auckland?
Direct-sow around late July (Jul 30–Aug 20) in Auckland, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 82%.
When will kale be ready to harvest in Auckland?
Expect to harvest from around late September (Sep 23–Oct 13) in Auckland, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 74%.
When should I start kale seeds indoors in Auckland?
Start seeds indoors around early July (Jul 9–Jul 30) in Auckland, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 78%.
When can I transplant kale outdoors in Auckland?
Transplant outdoors around late July (Jul 30–Aug 20) in Auckland, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 82%.
How long is the growing season in Auckland?
Auckland has roughly 294 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 Auckland's frost dates.
Confidence 82/100 · NOAA GHCN-Daily · 1991–2020 normals · frost dates are probabilities, not guarantees.