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Can You Grow Kale in Wisconsin?

US · USDA Zone 5a · zones 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b

Grows well here

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

Plant zones

2a–9b

Wisconsin last frost

mid-April

Wisconsin first frost

mid-October

Days to harvest

55–75 days

When to plant Kales in Wisconsin

Start indoors

Mar 18

Transplant

Apr 15

Harvest

Jun 9 – Jun 29

Dates are approximate, based on Wisconsin'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 Wisconsin

Wisconsin has a cold humid continental climate. Milwaukee is Zone 5b-6a; northern Wisconsin is Zone 4a-5a. Cold winters but warm productive summers. Known for dairy farming and cold-hardy crops.