When To Plant Kale In Zone 7

If you’re gardening in zone 7 and want to grow kale, timing is everything. Knowing exactly when to plant kale in zone 7 is the key to a long and productive harvest of this hardy green.

This guide will walk you through the best dates, methods, and tips to ensure your kale thrives. We’ll cover both spring and fall planting, which is a major advantage in our climate.

For zone 7 gardeners, kale is a versatile crop that can be planted in two main seasons: spring and fall. The optimal times are centered around cool weather.

Your spring planting should happen as soon as the soil is workable. For fall planting, you’ll count backwards from your first frost date. Let’s break down each season.

Spring Planting Dates for Zone 7 Kale

In spring, the goal is to get kale established while it’s still cool. Kale can handle a light frost, and its flavor actually improves after a chill.

Direct Sow Outdoors: You can sow kale seeds directly into your garden soil 4 to 6 weeks before your last average spring frost date. For most of zone 7, this falls between late February and mid-March.
Transplant Seedlings: If you start seeds indoors, begin them about 6 to 8 weeks before your last frost. That’s typically early to mid-January. Harden them off and transplant them outdoors 2 to 4 weeks before the last frost, around early to mid-March.

Starting indoors gives you a head start, especially if your spring is wet and cold. But direct sowing works perfectly fine if you’re able to prepare the garden bed early.

Fall Planting Dates for Zone 7 Kale

Fall is often the best time to plant kale in zone 7. The cooling temperatures make kale incredibly sweet and tender. Pests are also less of a problem.

Direct Sow for Fall: Count back 6 to 8 weeks from your first average fall frost date. In zone 7, first frost is typically around mid-October to early November. This means you should sow seeds directly in the garden from late August to mid-September.
Transplant for Fall: Start seeds indoors in mid to late summer, about 10-12 weeks before the first frost. You can then transplant these sturdy seedlings into the garden in September, where they will grow quickly.

Fall-planted kale can often survive the hole winter in zone 7 with minimal protection, giving you harvests into the next spring.

Understanding Your Zone 7 Frost Dates

These dates are your gardening anchors. While averages are helpful, microclimates in your yard matter.

Last Spring Frost: Generally between April 1st and April 15th for zone 7.
First Fall Frost: Generally between October 15th and November 1st for zone 7.

Check with your local cooperative extension service for the most precise dates in your specific town. A difference of just a week or two can impact your success.

Step-by-Step: How to Plant Kale in Zone 7

Once you’ve got your date, follow these simple steps for planting.

1. Choosing a Location and Preparing Soil

Kale needs at least 6 hours of sun, but it appreciates afternoon shade in the hotter parts of the season. The soil should be fertile and well-draining.

Work in 2 to 4 inches of compost or well-rotted manure into the top 6 inches of soil.
Aim for a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A simple soil test can confirm this.
Rake the bed smooth before planting.

2. Planting Seeds or Transplants

For Seeds:
Sow seeds about ¼ to ½ inch deep. Space them about an inch apart. Once seedlings are a few inches tall, thin them to stand 12 to 18 inches apart. You can eat the thinned seedlings as microgreens.

For Transplants:
Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball. Place the seedling in the hole, burying it up to its first set of true leaves. This encourages a strong stem. Gently firm the soil around it and water well.

3. Watering and Feeding Your Kale

Consistent moisture is crucial, especially for seedlings and during dry spells.

Water deeply once or twice a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 inches of water.
A layer of mulch (straw, shredded leaves) helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Feed with a balanced organic fertilizer or a side-dressing of compost about 4-6 weeks after planting.

Seasonal Care Tips for Zone 7 Kale

Your care will change slightly with the seasons.

Spring and Summer Care

The main challenges are bolting (flowering) and pests. Kale bolts as days get long and hot.

Choose bolt-resistant varieties like ‘Winterbor’ or ‘Red Russian’ for spring planting.
Watch for cabbage worms and aphids. Handpick pests or use row covers from the start.
Harvest outer leaves regularly to encourage new growth and delay bolting.

Fall and Winter Care

Fall kale is lower maintenance. The focus is on protecting it for winter harvests.

As temperatures drop, growth will slow but the leaves will get sweeter.
Use a cold frame, row cover, or simple hoop house to extend the harvest through freezing weather.
Under protection, you can often harvest kale all winter long in zone 7.

Best Kale Varieties for Zone 7 Gardens

Some varieties are particularly well-suited for our climate’s swings.

Lacinato (Dinosaur) Kale: Hardy, great texture, excellent for cooking.
Winterbor: A very cold-tolerant, curly kale that stands up well.
Red Russian: Tender, flat leaves with purple veins. It’s both cold-tolerant and heat-resistant for a kale.
Vates Blue Curled: A dependable, dwarf curly kale that overwinters reliably.

Common Problems and Solutions in Zone 7

Even with good timing, you might face a few issues.

Bolting: This is when the plant sends up a flower stalk. Leaves become bitter. Solution: Plant at the optimal times, harvest frequently, and choose bolt-resistant varieties for spring.
Cabbage Worms: Green caterpillars that chew holes. Solution: Inspect leaves regularly. Use floating row covers to prevent moths from laying eggs, or apply an organic Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) spray.
Aphids: Small bugs on the undersides of leaves. Solution: A strong spray of water from the hose can knock them off. Insecticidal soap is also effective.
Leaf Yellowing: Often a sign of nutrient deficiency or overwatering. Solution: Ensure soil is fertile and well-drained. A nitrogen-rich feed can help.

Harvesting and Storing Your Kale

You can start harvesting when leaves are about the size of your hand.

Always harvest from the bottom up, taking the older outer leaves first.
Use a sharp knife or scissors to cut the leaf stem, leaving the central growing bud intact.
For a full harvest, you can cut the entire plant about 2 inches above the soil. It may resprout with smaller leaves.
Store fresh kale in a plastic bag in the refrigerator crisper drawer for up to a week. For long-term storage, kale blanches and freezes beautifully.

FAQ: Planting Kale in Zone 7

Can I plant kale in the summer in zone 7?

It’s not ideal. Summer heat stresses kale, making it bitter and causing it to bolt quickly. For a summer harvest, you need to plant it very early in spring so it matures before the peak heat, or provide significant afternoon shade.

How late can you plant kale in zone 7?

For a fall crop, you can succession plant every few weeks until about 8 weeks before the first frost. Your absolute latest planting date for direct seeds is roughly early to mid-September. Transplants can go in a bit later, up until about 6 weeks before frost.

Will kale survive winter in zone 7?

Yes, kale is very cold-hardy. Established plants can typically survive zone 7 winters without any protection, especially varieties like ‘Winterbor’. With a simple row cover or cold frame, you’ll guarantee a continuous winter harvest of sweet leaves.

Should I start kale indoors or direct sow?

Both methods work. Starting indoors gives you more control and a head start, which is helpful for the spring crop. Direct sowing is easier and avoids transplant shock, making it excellent for fall planting. Many gardeners do a combination.

Why are my kale seedlings leggy?

Leggy seedlings are usually caused by insufficient light. If you’re starting seeds indoors, ensure they are under a strong grow light placed just a few inches above the seedlings for 14-16 hours a day. Also, avoid keeping them too warm.

Getting your planting times right is the most important step for growing kale in zone 7. By following this schedule and giving your plants basic care, you can enjoy this nutritious green for many months of the year. Remember, a little planning in spring or late summer leads to a bounty of fresh kale for your table.