When should I plant Kale in Illinois?

Planting dates for Kale in Illinois vary by zone. Illinois spans zones 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a.

When to Plant Kale in Will County, IL

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.

Will County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 177 days.

At an elevation of 655 feet, Will County receives approximately 41.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Kale to ensure they mature before fall.

Will County, IL (Zone 5b) Moderate season

177 days

❄

Last Spring Frost April 23

➔ 177 growing days ➔

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First Fall Frost October 17

Will County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Zone Compatibility for Kale Zones 2a – 11b

1a 1b 2a 2b 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b You 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b 11a 11b 12a 12b 13a 13b

Ideal (data available) Suitable Marginal Not recommended

Kale Planting Timeline — Will County, IL

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Last Frost

First Frost

Start Indoors

Mar 19 – Apr 2

Transplant

Apr 23 – May 7

Direct Sow

Apr 9 – Apr 30

Fall Sowing

Aug 8 – Aug 22

Harvest

Jun 18 – Aug 13

Growing season Start indoors Transplant Direct sow Harvest

Kale Planting Calendar

Activity	When	Date Range
Start Indoors	March 19	Mar 19 – Apr 2
Transplant Outdoors	April 23	Apr 23 – May 7
Direct Sow	April 9	Apr 9 – Apr 30
Harvest	June 18	Jun 18 – Aug 13
Fall Sowing	August 8	Aug 8 – Aug 22

Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

Month	Activities
January	—
February	—
March	Start Indoors
April	Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May	Transplant Outdoors
June	Harvest
July	Harvest
August	Fall Sowing Harvest
September	—
October	—
November	—
December	—

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

50–70 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 5b

📆 Growing Season

177 days in Will County

Growing Tips for Will County

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

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

🌾 Save Your Own Kale Seeds

Life Cycle Biennial

Pollination Cross-Pollinated (insects)

How to Collect Allow 2nd year flower stalks to dry. Harvest pods when tan.

Storage Store airtight; viable 5 years at 35°F, under 50% humidity.

Isolate 1/2 mile from other brassicas (broccoli, cabbage, etc.) — they all cross.

Get our full Seed Saving Guide for 200 plants →

Kale in Other Locations

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Kale in Will County, IL?

Will County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your Kale planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Will County, IL?

Will County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 17.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Will County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

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