When to plant Kale in Sumner County, KS
Sumner County gardeners should plant Kale between March 28 and April 18 in spring. With Sumner County's Zone 7a climate (last frost April 11), Kale needs 50–70 days to mature — plant by August 17 for a full harvest. A second sowing from August 17 to August 31 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Kale in Sumner County, KS
July in the garden — Sumner County, Kansas
Here's what deserves your attention in Sumner County, Kansas this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 7a and timed around your local frost dates.
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Harvest kale as they ripen
The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.
Get ahead of August
- First harvests: kale
- Fall sowing: kale
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.
Sumner County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 11 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 198 days.
At an elevation of 637 feet, Sumner County receives approximately 29 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Kale during the growing season.
Sumner County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-7.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Kale Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Sumner County
How your county's soil matches Kale's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.4–7.8) overlaps with Kale's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Sumner County is excellent for Kale — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.6%). Annual compost additions will help Kale.
How to Plant Kale
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Kale
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 17 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 17.
Kale Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Kale
Kale needs approximately 0.8 inches of water per week (3.5" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Kale Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3.5" | 3" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3.5" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.5" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.5" | 3.4" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 3.5" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.5" | 3" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3.5" | 1.7" | 1.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Sumner County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Kale Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Kale Planting Timeline — Sumner County, KS
Kale Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 7 | Mar 7 – Mar 21 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 11 | Apr 11 – Apr 25 |
| Direct Sow | March 28 | Mar 28 – Apr 18 |
| Harvest | June 6 | Jun 6 – Aug 1 |
| Fall Sowing | August 17 | Aug 17 – Aug 31 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.8"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
198 days in Sumner County
Growing Tips for Kale in Sumner County
Direct sow Kale outdoors after April 11 in Sumner County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Kale in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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 →
Isolate 1/2 mile from other brassicas (broccoli, cabbage, etc.) — they all cross.
Kale in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Kale in Sumner County, KS?
Sumner County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 11. Plan your Kale planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Sumner County, KS?
Sumner County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 11 and first fall frost is October 26.
When should I plant Kale in Sumner County, KS?
In Sumner County, KS, plant Kale after the last frost (around April 11) and before the first frost (around October 26). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Sumner County, KS for Kale?
Sumner County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Kale grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Kale grow in Sumner County's climate?
Yes — Kale grows well in Sumner County's temperate climate. Sumner County averages a 198-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 11 and first frost around October 26.
Your Sumner County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Sumner County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.