Planting Guides
When to Plant Kale in Minneapolis: Complete Guide + Best Varieties for Zone 4a
Minneapolis, Minnesota
USDA Zone 4a
Last Frost: May 15
Last updated: October 30, 2025
Learn when to plant kale in Minneapolis with specific dates for Zone 4a. Compare 5 varieties, get a complete timeline, and discover which kale grow best in Minnesota's climate.
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Quick Answer
Plant kale in Minneapolis July 15-August 15 for fall harvest or April 1-15 for spring crop. Fall plantings produce sweeter, more tender leaves after frost exposure.
TL;DR
Plant kale in Minneapolis between July 15-August 15 for fall harvest and April 1-15 for spring crop. Brassica oleracea 'Winterbor' excels in Zone 4a with extreme cold tolerance to -10°F. Fall-planted kale tastes significantly sweeter after Minneapolis frosts improve flavor through natural sugar conversion.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to plant kale in Minneapolis?
The ideal time to plant kale in Minneapolis is July 15 through August 15 for fall harvest. This timing allows plants to mature in cool weather and develop peak sweetness after frost exposure. Spring planting from April 1-15 also works well but produces less flavorful results since plants mature in warming weather rather than cooling conditions.
Can kale survive Minneapolis winters?
Yes, certain kale varieties survive Minneapolis winters with protection. Brassica oleracea 'Winterbor' tolerates temperatures down to -10°F (-23°C) when heavily mulched with straw. Most varieties need protection below 15°F (-9°C). Use cold frames, heavy mulch, or row covers to extend harvest through December and January. Snow cover actually insulates plants and improves survival rates.
What kale varieties grow best in Zone 4a Minneapolis climate?
Brassica oleracea 'Winterbor' performs best in Minneapolis for cold tolerance and overwintering ability. Brassica oleracea 'Lacinato' offers superior eating quality with good cold hardiness. Brassica oleracea 'Red Russian' works excellently for quick spring crops, maturing in 50-60 days. All varieties benefit from Minneapolis's cool fall temperatures that sweeten leaves naturally through frost exposure.
How long does it take kale to grow in Minneapolis?
Kale typically matures in 50-75 days in Minneapolis, depending on variety. Brassica oleracea 'Red Russian' matures fastest at 50-60 days, while Brassica oleracea 'Winterbor' and Brassica oleracea 'Lacinato' need 60-75 days. However, you can begin harvesting young leaves at 30-40 days. Minneapolis's 138-day growing season from May 14 to September 29 easily accommodates multiple plantings and succession crops.
Should I start kale seeds indoors or direct sow in Minneapolis?
Both methods work well in Minneapolis. Direct sowing works better for fall crops (July-August plantings) since soil temperatures are warm and weather is stable. Indoor starting works better for spring crops to avoid soil that's too cold and wet in April. Start spring seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost (March 15-30), then transplant outdoors April 20-May 1.
Why does my Minneapolis kale taste bitter and how do I fix it?
Bitter kale usually results from heat stress or harvesting too young. In Minneapolis, spring-planted kale often turns bitter when summer temperatures exceed 80°F (27°C), causing the plant to produce defensive compounds. The solution is fall planting - kale planted in July-August develops sweetness as cool weather arrives. Frost exposure actually converts starches to sugars, making fall-harvested Minneapolis kale significantly sweeter than spring crops.
What pests attack kale in Minneapolis and how do I control them?
Cabbage worms are the primary pest, peaking June-August. Control with Bt spray or row covers. Aphids cluster on undersides of leaves in May-June and September-October - use strong water sprays or insecticidal soap. Flea beetles create shot-holes in young spring plants - protect with row covers for first 4-6 weeks. Fall plantings experience less pest pressure than spring crops, another advantage of late-season planting in Minneapolis.
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Amanda Foster
Amanda came to gardening through an unexpected route—after developing chronic pain from rheumatoid arthritis in her late 20s, she started researching adaptive gardening techniques that would allow her to continue growing plants without aggravating her condition. Now based in Minneapolis, she writes about accessible gardening, raised bed designs for people with mobility challenges, and ergonomic tools that reduce strain. Amanda completed a certificate in sustainable urban agriculture and volunteers with a nonprofit that builds accessible community gardens. She grows vegetables, herbs, and flowers in waist-high raised beds she designed herself. Her writing focuses on practical solutions that work for real people with real limitations—whether that's arthritis, limited mobility, or just a bad back.
