When to plant kale in Bismarck

Kale is cold-hardy, so every date keys off Bismarck's frost dates of May 15.
Step 1 · Sow
Start seeds indoors
Apr 3 – Apr 24
Before your last frost, on a warm windowsill or heat mat.
Step 2 · Plant
Transplant outdoors
Apr 24 – May 15
Once frost risk has passed and nights stay mild.
Step 3 · Harvest
Harvest window
Jun 18 – Jul 8
Picking runs until conditions turn against the crop.
Step 4 · Second sowing
Autumn / second sowing
Jun 21 – Jul 5
A second window for a fall crop, timed to mature before the first frost.
Step 5 · Second harvest
Autumn crop harvest
Aug 22 – Sep 11
Maturity window for the second sowing.
Window
Days to maturity
55 – 75 d
Bismarck's 132-day season leaves this much room.
Kale on Bismarck'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
MAY 15
SEP 25

Common questions

When can I sow kale outdoors in Bismarck?

Direct-sow around late April (Apr 24–May 15) in Bismarck, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 89%.

When will kale be ready to harvest in Bismarck?

Expect to harvest from around mid June (Jun 18–Jul 8) in Bismarck, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 80%.

When should I start kale seeds indoors in Bismarck?

Start seeds indoors around early April (Apr 3–Apr 24) in Bismarck, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 85%.

When can I transplant kale outdoors in Bismarck?

Transplant outdoors around late April (Apr 24–May 15) in Bismarck, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 89%.

Can I plant kale in autumn in Bismarck?

Yes — Bismarck supports a second, autumn sowing of kale around late June (Jun 21–Jul 5), timed to mature before the first fall frost.

How long is the growing season in Bismarck?

Bismarck has roughly 132 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 Bismarck's frost dates.

Confidence 89/100 · Curated · based on NOAA GHCN-Daily 1991–2020 normal · frost dates are probabilities, not guarantees.