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Kale plant growing in a garden

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Growing Kale

Kale is one of the hardiest vegetables available — it survives hard frosts and tastes sweeter after a freeze.

Quick Answer: Kale grows in Zones 2a–9b, taking 55–75 days to harvest. It's one of the easiest crops to grow.
🌡️ Zones 2a–9b ☀️ Full Sun 💧 Moderate Water 🌱 Beginner Friendly 🪴 Container OK (3+ gal) 🏠 Indoor Viable 💦 Hydroponic ❄️ Frost Tolerant ♾️ Perennial 🐾 Pet Safe

Can You Grow Kale in Your Area?

Growing Tips

Sow indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost or direct sow in late summer for fall harvest. Harvest outer leaves to keep the plant producing. Cold-hardy varieties survive winter in Zone 7+.

Where Does Kale Grow?

Kale is suited to Zones 2a–9b. Here are some areas where it thrives:

✅ Zone 2a ✅ Zone 2b ✅ Zone 3a ✅ Zone 3b ✅ Zone 4a ✅ Zone 4b ✅ Zone 5a ✅ Zone 5b ✅ Zone 6a ✅ Zone 6b ✅ Zone 7a ✅ Zone 7b
Won't grow outdoors in: very cold zones (below Zone 2a) or very warm zones (above Zone 9b). Kale can actually grow in almost any zone — it tolerates cold better than nearly any other vegetable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kale grows in USDA Zones 2a–9b.
Yes — Kale is beginner-friendly.
Yes — use a 3+ gallon pot.
Kale is safe for dogs and safe for cats.