When to Plant Kale in USDA Zone 8a
Kale is an exceptionally hardy, nutrient-dense green available in curly, lacinato, and Russian varieties. It tolerates heavy frost and often tastes sweeter after cold exposure.
In Zone 8a, the average last spring frost is around March 8 and the first fall frost is around November 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 255 days.
Kale Planting Timeline — Zone 8a
Where Is USDA Zone 8a?
The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 8a. Click any state to see the Kale planting schedule for that location.
Kale Planting Calendar — Zone 8a
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 1 | Feb 1 – Feb 15 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 8 | Mar 8 – Mar 22 |
| Direct Sow | February 22 | Feb 22 – Mar 15 |
| Harvest | May 3 | May 3 – Jun 28 |
| Fall Sowing | September 9 | Sep 9 – Sep 23 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Free Zone 8a Planting Calendar PDF
Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 8a with start dates, transplant windows, and harvest times.
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.8"/week · Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
50–70 days
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
Zone Temperature Range
10°F to 15°F average annual minimum
Growing Season
255 days (Zone 8a average)
Planting Specifications
| Planting Depth | 1 inches |
| Plant Spacing | 15 inches apart |
| Row Spacing | 24 inches between rows |
Succession Planting Kale in Zone 8a
Sow every 5.7 weeks for continuous harvest throughout the season.
Growing Tips for Kale in Zone 8a
Direct sow or transplant in early spring or late summer. Harvest outer leaves first to keep plants productive. Kale overwinters in many climates and can provide greens all year.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Saving Kale Seeds
Isolate 1/2 mile from other brassicas (broccoli, cabbage, etc.) — they all cross.
Recommended for Your Garden
Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.
Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.
Keep your garden organized with durable, weather-resistant plant labels.
Related Plants
Kale in Other Zones
Kale by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Kale in Zone 8a?
In Zone 8a, plan your Kale planting around the average last frost date of March 8. Start seeds indoors around February 1. Direct sow outdoors around February 22. Transplant seedlings around March 8.
Can Kale grow in Zone 8a?
Yes, Kale can grow well in Zone 8a, hardy in USDA zones 2a through 11b. Zone 8a has a growing season of approximately 255 days, which is sufficient for Kale (50-70 days to maturity).
When can I harvest Kale in Zone 8a?
In Zone 8a, expect to harvest Kale from May 3 – June 28. Kale takes 50-70 days from planting to harvest.
What is the last frost date for Zone 8a?
The average last spring frost in Zone 8a is around March 8, and the first fall frost is around November 18. This gives a growing season of approximately 255 days. These are 50% probability dates — actual frost dates vary year to year.
What should I plant next to Kale?
Good companion plants for Kale include Beets, Celery, Lettuce, Onion. These companions can help with pest control, pollination, and nutrient sharing.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — organize your planting dates for Zone 8a, track your crops, and plan your garden season from seed to harvest.
Get Your Free Garden Planner →Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.