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Can You Grow Kale in Tennessee?

US · USDA Zone 6b · zones 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b

Grows well here

Kale grows exceptionally well here — it is one of the most cold-tolerant vegetables available.

Plant zones

2a–9b

Tennessee last frost

mid-March

Tennessee first frost

mid-November

Days to harvest

55–75 days

When to plant Kales in Tennessee

Start indoors

Feb 14

Transplant

Mar 15

Harvest

May 9 – May 29

Dates are approximate, based on Tennessee's average frost dates. Your exact yard may vary by microclimate.

About Kale

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

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+.

Full kale growing guide →

Gardening in Tennessee

Tennessee has a humid subtropical climate transitioning to continental in the east. Nashville is Zone 7a; the Appalachians are Zone 6a-6b. Long productive growing seasons.

See what grows well in Tennessee →

Frequently asked questions

Can you grow Kale in Tennessee?

Kale grows exceptionally well here — it is one of the most cold-tolerant vegetables available.

What zone is Tennessee?

Tennessee spans USDA Zone 6b (6a, 6b, 7a, 7b).

When do you plant Kales in Tennessee?

Plant Kales around mid-March (start indoors Feb 14), harvest May 9 – May 29.