When to Plant Kale in Ohio
Direct Sow Outdoors
Friday, February 27, 2026
State
Ohio
USDA Zones
5b, 6a, 6b, 7a
Avg Last Frost
Friday, April 10, 2026
Cities Covered
1059
Ohio Planting Schedule by Zone
Ohio spans 4 zones — find yours below for the most accurate dates.
| Zone | Last Frost | Direct Sow |
|---|---|---|
| 5b | Saturday, April 25, 2026 | Saturday, March 14, 2026 |
| 6a | Monday, April 20, 2026 | Monday, March 9, 2026 |
| 6b | Wednesday, April 15, 2026 | Wednesday, March 4, 2026 |
| 7a | Friday, April 10, 2026 | Friday, February 27, 2026 |
Dates based on average last frost. Check your local forecast before planting.
🌿 About Kale
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Growing Kale in Ohio: Complete Guide
Kale (Brassica oleracea) is a crop that grows best when sown directly in the garden. In Ohio, the right time to direct sow is around Friday, February 27, 2026, once soil temperatures are consistently warm enough for germination.
Because Ohio stretches across 4 USDA hardiness zones (5b, 6a, 6b, 7a), planting windows can shift by as much as two to four weeks from one end of the state to the other. Gardeners in the warmer southern zones can start earlier, while those in cooler northern zones should wait until the zone table above shows their last frost has passed.
With 55 days to maturity, Kale fits comfortably within Ohio's growing season in most zones. In the warmest parts of the state, a second planting later in the season may be possible.
Kale requires full sun to partial shade and regular (1-1.5 inches/week) moisture. Most of Ohio receives adequate sunlight during the growing season, though gardeners in humid eastern regions should watch for fungal issues and ensure good air circulation.
For the most precise planting dates tailored to your exact location, enter your ZIP code on our planting calendar or use the zone table above to find the schedule for your area of Ohio.
Growing Kale in Ohio: Local Tips
Climate-specific advice for Ohio gardeners.
Two seasons: early spring and fall
Transplant in late March–April for a spring crop and again in late July for fall; the fall crop that runs through November is typically more productive and better-flavored than spring kale.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Kale in Ohio?
In Ohio, direct sow Kale outdoors around Friday, February 27, 2026. Ohio spans zones 5b–7a, so gardeners in warmer zones can plant earlier.
What is the last frost date in Ohio?
Ohio spans 4 USDA zones (5b, 6a, 6b, 7a), so last frost dates vary by region. Sparta (5b) sees frost until around Saturday, April 25, 2026, while Cleveland, Lakewood, Rocky River (7a) is frost-free much earlier.
How long does Kale take to grow in Ohio?
Kale takes about 55 days from transplant (or direct sow) to harvest. In Ohio's longer-season zones, a second planting in late summer may be possible.
What USDA zones does Ohio cover for Kale?
Ohio includes zones 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a. Kale grows well across all of these zones with adjusted timing — use the zone table above to find the right dates for your part of the state.
Find Precise Dates for Your City
Select a city for exact planting dates based on local frost records.