When to plant kale in Grand Rapids

Kale is cold-hardy, so every date keys off Grand Rapids's frost dates of Apr 30.
Step 1 · Sow
Start seeds indoors
Mar 19 – Apr 9
Before your last frost, on a warm windowsill or heat mat.
Step 2 · Plant
Transplant outdoors
Apr 9 – Apr 30
Once frost risk has passed and nights stay mild.
Step 3 · Harvest
Harvest window
Jun 3 – Jun 23
Picking runs until conditions turn against the crop.
Step 4 · Second sowing
Autumn / second sowing
Jul 12 – Jul 26
A second window for a fall crop, timed to mature before the first frost.
Step 5 · Second harvest
Autumn crop harvest
Sep 12 – Oct 2
Maturity window for the second sowing.
Window
Days to maturity
55 – 75 d
Grand Rapids's 166-day season leaves this much room.
Kale on Grand Rapids'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 30
OCT 16

Common questions

When can I sow kale outdoors in Grand Rapids?

Direct-sow around early April (Apr 9–Apr 30) in Grand Rapids, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 87%.

When will kale be ready to harvest in Grand Rapids?

Expect to harvest from around early June (Jun 3–Jun 23) in Grand Rapids, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 78%.

When should I start kale seeds indoors in Grand Rapids?

Start seeds indoors around mid March (Mar 19–Apr 9) in Grand Rapids, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 83%.

When can I transplant kale outdoors in Grand Rapids?

Transplant outdoors around early April (Apr 9–Apr 30) in Grand Rapids, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 87%.

Can I plant kale in autumn in Grand Rapids?

Yes — Grand Rapids supports a second, autumn sowing of kale around mid July (Jul 12–Jul 26), timed to mature before the first fall frost.

How long is the growing season in Grand Rapids?

Grand Rapids has roughly 166 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 Grand Rapids's frost dates.

Confidence 87/100 · Curated · based on NOAA GHCN-Daily 1991–2020 normal · frost dates are probabilities, not guarantees.