When to plant kale in Missoula

Kale is cold-hardy, so every date keys off Missoula'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 30 – Jul 14
A second window for a fall crop, timed to mature before the first frost.
Step 5 · Second harvest
Autumn crop harvest
Aug 31 – Sep 20
Maturity window for the second sowing.
Window
Days to maturity
55 – 75 d
Missoula's 138-day season leaves this much room.
Kale on Missoula'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
OCT 4

Common questions

When can I sow kale outdoors in Missoula?

Direct-sow around late April (Apr 24–May 15) in Missoula, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 83%.

When will kale be ready to harvest in Missoula?

Expect to harvest from around mid June (Jun 18–Jul 8) in Missoula, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 75%.

When should I start kale seeds indoors in Missoula?

Start seeds indoors around early April (Apr 3–Apr 24) in Missoula, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 79%.

When can I transplant kale outdoors in Missoula?

Transplant outdoors around late April (Apr 24–May 15) in Missoula, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 83%.

Can I plant kale in autumn in Missoula?

Yes — Missoula supports a second, autumn sowing of kale around late June (Jun 30–Jul 14), timed to mature before the first fall frost.

How long is the growing season in Missoula?

Missoula has roughly 138 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 Missoula's frost dates.

Confidence 83/100 · Curated · based on NOAA GHCN-Daily 1991–2020 normal · frost dates are probabilities, not guarantees.