When to plant kale in Arlington

Kale is cold-hardy, so every date keys off Arlington's frost dates of Apr 8.
Step 1 · Sow
Start seeds indoors
Feb 25 – Mar 18
Before your last frost, on a warm windowsill or heat mat.
Step 2 · Plant
Transplant outdoors
Mar 18 – Apr 8
Once frost risk has passed and nights stay mild.
Step 3 · Harvest
Harvest window
May 12 – Jun 1
Picking runs until conditions turn against the crop.
Step 4 · Second sowing
Autumn / second sowing
Jul 30 – Aug 13
A second window for a fall crop, timed to mature before the first frost.
Step 5 · Second harvest
Autumn crop harvest
Sep 30 – Oct 20
Maturity window for the second sowing.
Window
Days to maturity
55 – 75 d
Arlington's 206-day season leaves this much room.
Kale on Arlington'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 8
NOV 3

Common questions

When can I sow kale outdoors in Arlington?

Direct-sow around mid March (Mar 18–Apr 8) in Arlington, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 88%.

When will kale be ready to harvest in Arlington?

Expect to harvest from around mid May (May 12–Jun 1) in Arlington, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 79%.

When should I start kale seeds indoors in Arlington?

Start seeds indoors around late February (Feb 25–Mar 18) in Arlington, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 84%.

When can I transplant kale outdoors in Arlington?

Transplant outdoors around mid March (Mar 18–Apr 8) in Arlington, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 88%.

Can I plant kale in autumn in Arlington?

Yes — Arlington supports a second, autumn sowing of kale around late July (Jul 30–Aug 13), timed to mature before the first fall frost.

How long is the growing season in Arlington?

Arlington has roughly 206 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 Arlington's frost dates.

Confidence 88/100 · Curated · based on NOAA GHCN-Daily 1991–2020 normal · frost dates are probabilities, not guarantees.