kale

Best Planting Times for Kale in Utah

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

Planting Conditions

Utah 2023 USDA Hardiness Zone Map

Utah has a semi-arid to desert climate with hot summers and cold winters, falling within USDA Hardiness Zones 4b to 7a. These conditions are ideal for growing cool-season crops like kale, particularly during the spring and fall.

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

Average Last Frost Dates for Utah’s Largest Cities

CityAverage Last Frost Date
Salt Lake CityApril 26
West Valley CityApril 27
ProvoMay 1
West JordanApril 29
OremMay 2
SandyApril 29
OgdenApril 26
St. GeorgeApril 7
LaytonApril 28
MillcreekApril 27

Average First Frost Dates for Utah’s Largest Cities

CityAverage First Frost Date
Salt Lake CityOctober 14
West Valley CityOctober 15
ProvoOctober 17
West JordanOctober 15
OremOctober 17
SandyOctober 15
OgdenOctober 13
St. GeorgeNovember 1
LaytonOctober 14
MillcreekOctober 15

Please note: These dates are averages and can vary from year to year. It’s always a good idea to monitor local weather forecasts and consider your specific location and microclimate when planning your gardening activities.

Starting Kale Indoors

In areas like Salt Lake City (Zone 7a), start kale seeds indoors from March 1 to April 1. This timing ensures that 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 seedlings 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:

  • Water deeply and consistently to keep the soil evenly moist. Utah’s dry climate can dry out the soil quickly, so regular watering is essential.
  • Water at the base of the plants to prevent wetting the foliage, which helps reduce the risk of fungal diseases.

Fertilizing:

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

Pest and Disease Management:

  • Monitor for common pests like aphids, flea beetles, and cabbage worms. The dry climate can reduce some fungal diseases, but vigilance is still necessary.
  • Use organic or integrated pest management strategies to protect your plants from pests and diseases.

Harvesting Kale:

  • Harvest kale leaves when they are large enough to eat but still tender. Regular harvesting encourages new growth and extends the harvesting season, particularly in Utah’s varied climate.
BeeJay
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