Washington · zones 6b–9a
When to plant kale in Washington.
Sow or transplant between Mar 7 to Apr 4 in a typical year, keyed to Washington's median last frost around Apr 14. 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 Washington season.
1 · Start indoors
Jan 24 to Feb 21
About 6 weeks before set-out. Warm spot, real light.
2 · Set out
Mar 7 to Apr 4
Keyed to the ~Apr 14 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.
Washington spans more than one climate: Zone 8 is the most common zone, but the state runs 6b to 9a. 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.