When to plant kale in Newport News

Kale is cold-hardy, so every date keys off Newport News's frost dates of Mar 13.
Step 1 · Sow
Start seeds indoors
Jan 30 – Feb 20
Before your last frost, on a warm windowsill or heat mat.
Step 2 · Plant
Transplant outdoors
Feb 20 – Mar 13
Once frost risk has passed and nights stay mild.
Step 3 · Harvest
Harvest window
Apr 16 – May 6
Picking runs until conditions turn against the crop.
Step 4 · Second sowing
Autumn / second sowing
Aug 20 – Sep 3
A second window for a fall crop, timed to mature before the first frost.
Step 5 · Second harvest
Autumn crop harvest
Oct 21 – Nov 10
Maturity window for the second sowing.
Window
Days to maturity
55 – 75 d
Newport News's 262-day season leaves this much room.
Kale on Newport News'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
MAR 13
NOV 24

Common questions

When can I sow kale outdoors in Newport News?

Direct-sow around mid February (Feb 20–Mar 13) in Newport News, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 86%.

When will kale be ready to harvest in Newport News?

Expect to harvest from around mid April (Apr 16–May 6) in Newport News, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 77%.

When should I start kale seeds indoors in Newport News?

Start seeds indoors around late January (Jan 30–Feb 20) in Newport News, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 82%.

When can I transplant kale outdoors in Newport News?

Transplant outdoors around mid February (Feb 20–Mar 13) in Newport News, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 86%.

Can I plant kale in autumn in Newport News?

Yes — Newport News supports a second, autumn sowing of kale around mid August (Aug 20–Sep 3), timed to mature before the first fall frost.

How long is the growing season in Newport News?

Newport News has roughly 262 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 Newport News's frost dates.

Confidence 86/100 · Curated · based on NOAA GHCN-Daily 1991–2020 normal · frost dates are probabilities, not guarantees.