kale

Best Planting Times for Kale in Pennsylvania

Planting MethodActivityRecommended Dates
Outdoor PlantingIndoor Seed StartingMarch 15 – April 15
Transplant OutdoorsApril 15 – May 15
Fall PlantingDirect Sow OutdoorsAugust 1 – September 1

Planting Conditions

Pennsylvania experiences a humid continental climate, with USDA Hardiness Zones ranging from 5b to 7a. These conditions are favorable for growing cool-season crops like kale, particularly in the spring and fall.

Plant kale outdoors about 4-6 weeks before the last frost in spring, and 6-8 weeks before the first frost in fall.

Average Last Frost Dates for Pennsylvania’s Largest Cities

CityAverage Last Frost Date
PhiladelphiaApril 10
PittsburghMay 1
AllentownApril 20
ErieMay 10
ReadingApril 25
ScrantonMay 5
BethlehemApril 20
LancasterApril 25
HarrisburgApril 20
YorkApril 25

Average First Frost Dates for Pennsylvania’s Largest Cities

CityAverage First Frost Date
PhiladelphiaOctober 25
PittsburghOctober 15
AllentownOctober 10
ErieOctober 20
ReadingOctober 15
ScrantonOctober 10
BethlehemOctober 10
LancasterOctober 15
HarrisburgOctober 15
YorkOctober 15

Please note: These dates are averages and can vary from year to year. Always monitor local weather and consider your specific location when planning your gardening activities.

Starting Kale Indoors

In areas like Philadelphia (Zone 7a), start kale seeds indoors from March 15 to April 15. This ensures seedlings are ready for outdoor transplanting from mid-April to mid-May, after the last frost.

Transplanting Kale Seedlings

Transplant seedlings outdoors from April 15 to May 15, ensuring soil temperatures are consistently above 45°F. Space plants 12-18 inches apart in rows at least 18 inches apart to allow for good air circulation and sunlight exposure.

General Care and Maintenance

Watering:

  • Keep the soil evenly moist with regular deep watering, especially during warm summer days in Pennsylvania.
  • Water at the base of the plants to keep the foliage dry and reduce the risk of diseases.

Fertilizing:

  • Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting and again when the leaves begin to develop. Adding compost before planting helps improve soil fertility and structure.

Pest and Disease Management:

  • Watch out for common pests like aphids, flea beetles, and cabbage worms. Pennsylvania’s humid climate can also encourage fungal diseases, so regular monitoring is important.
  • Use organic or integrated pest management practices to keep your kale plants healthy.

Harvesting Kale:

  • Pick the leaves when they’re large enough to eat but still tender. Regular harvesting promotes new growth and can extend the harvesting season, especially in Pennsylvania’s favorable growing conditions.
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