Planting Guides
When to Plant Kale in Charlotte: Complete Guide + Best Varieties for Zone 7b
Charlotte, North Carolina
USDA Zone 7b
Last Frost: Apr 5
Last updated: October 30, 2025
Plant kale in Charlotte during two optimal windows: spring planting February 15-March 15 for May harvest, and fall planting July 15-August 15 for winter harvest through February.
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Quick Answer
Plant kale in Charlotte February 15-March 15 for spring harvest or July 15-August 15 for superior fall/winter harvest. Fall crops survive Charlotte's mild winters and develop sweeter flavor.
TL;DR
Charlotte's Zone 7b climate offers two excellent kale growing seasons. Plant spring crops February 15-March 15 for harvest before summer heat, and fall crops July 15-August 15 for the superior winter harvest when frost sweetens the leaves. Choose Lacinato for best flavor, Winterbor for cold hardiness, and Red Russian for quick spring crops. Fall-planted kale overwinters in Charlotte with minimal protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
When exactly should I plant kale in Charlotte for the best harvest?
For Charlotte's Zone 7b climate, plant kale July 15-August 15 for the superior fall/winter harvest. This timing allows plants to reach full size before the November 4th first frost, which triggers the starch-to-sugar conversion that makes fall kale dramatically sweeter than spring crops. Spring planting February 15-March 15 works for early harvest but lacks the flavor development of frost-exposed crops.
Can kale survive Charlotte winters without protection?
Most kale varieties survive Charlotte's typical winter lows of 20-25°F (-6 to -4°C) without protection. Brassica oleracea 'Winterbor' and Brassica oleracea 'Redbor' are particularly hardy, while Brassica oleracea 'Lacinato' may need light row cover protection during extreme cold snaps below 15°F (-9°C). Heavy mulching around plant bases provides additional root protection.
Which kale varieties bolt fastest in Charlotte's spring weather?
Brassica oleracea 'Red Russian' bolts fastest when Charlotte temperatures consistently exceed 80°F (27°C) in late May/June, making it best for quick spring harvests. Brassica oleracea 'Vates' shows the most bolt resistance and can often be harvested into early July. For extended spring harvest, choose Vates and provide afternoon shade during heat waves.
How do I know when Charlotte kale is ready to harvest?
Kale leaves are ready when they reach 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) long and feel firm but not tough. For Charlotte fall crops, wait until after the first frost in early November for peak sweetness. Baby leaves can be harvested at 3-4 inches (7-10 cm) for tender salads. Always harvest outer leaves first, leaving the center growing point intact for continuous production.
Why does my Charlotte spring kale turn bitter in May?
Spring kale turns bitter when Charlotte temperatures consistently exceed 75°F (24°C) because heat stress triggers increased glucosinolate production and causes the plant to prepare for bolting. This typically occurs in mid-to-late May in Charlotte. Harvest spring crops aggressively by early May, or choose fall planting for the superior cool-weather crop that develops sweet flavor.
Should I start kale seeds indoors or direct sow in Charlotte?
Direct sowing works excellently for Charlotte's mild climate and is often easier than transplanting. Sow seeds 0.25 inches (0.6 cm) deep when soil temperature reaches 35°F (2°C), typically mid-February for spring crops and July 15-August 15 for fall crops. Indoor starting is only necessary if you want earlier harvest or precise planting timing, starting seeds 6 weeks before transplant dates.
How long can I harvest kale from one planting in Charlotte?
A single fall planting in Charlotte can provide harvest for 4-6 months, from October through March. Use the "cut and come again" method, harvesting outer leaves while leaving the center intact. Spring plantings typically produce for 2-3 months before bolting in summer heat. Fall plantings are far more productive due to Charlotte's mild winters and extended cool season.
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Sophie Laurent
Sophie is a garden designer in Charlotte who came to the U.S. from France about a decade ago. Her design sensibility blends the structured formality of French garden traditions with the looser, more naturalistic style that works well in the Southeast. She has a degree in landscape architecture and worked at several design firms in Charlotte before going independent. She specializes in year-round garden structure, mixed borders, and creating outdoor spaces that feel intentional without being rigid. Sophie writes about garden design principles, plant combinations, and creating visual interest across seasons—always grounded in what actually grows well in the Piedmont.
