Kentucky · zones 6a–7a
When to plant kale in Kentucky.
Sow or transplant between Mar 10 to Apr 7 in a typical year, keyed to Kentucky's median last frost around Apr 17. A second, fall sowing fits Jul 18 to Sep 2. Dates below are state medians; your ZIP code shifts them by days to weeks.
The 2026 windows
Kale dates for a typical Kentucky season.
1 · Start indoors
Jan 27 to Feb 24
About 6 weeks before set-out. Warm spot, real light.
2 · Set out
Mar 10 to Apr 7
Keyed to the ~Apr 17 last frost. Sow 0.25" deep, 16" apart.
Fall round
Jul 18 to Sep 2
Counted back from the ~Oct 18 first frost.
Harvest
~45 days later
~2 lb per plant over ~16 weeks.
Kentucky spans more than one climate: Zone 6 is the most common zone, but the state runs 6a to 7a. That's why the planner works from your ZIP code's frost dates, not your zone — mountain and coastal gardens in the same state can be three weeks apart.