Planting Guides
When to Plant Kale in New York: Complete Guide + Best Varieties for Zone 7a
New York, New York
USDA Zone 7a
Last Frost: Apr 15
Last updated: October 30, 2025
Plant kale in New York from March 15-April 1 for spring harvest or August 1-15 for superior fall crops that survive winter frosts in Zone 7a.
— Image © PlantReference.org 2026
Quick Answer
Plant kale in New York during two optimal windows: March 15-April 1 for spring harvest before summer heat, or August 1-15 for superior fall crops that benefit from frost sweetening.
TL;DR
Plant kale in New York during two optimal windows: March 15-April 1 for spring harvest before summer heat, or August 1-15 for superior fall crops that benefit from frost sweetening. Zone 7a's mild winters allow fall-planted kale to survive through February with minimal protection. Fall plantings produce sweeter, more tender leaves and avoid the pest pressure common with spring crops.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to plant kale in New York?
The best planting times for kale in New York are March 15-April 1 for spring harvest and August 1-15 for fall harvest. Fall planting is superior because frost improves flavor, there's less pest pressure, and plants can survive New York's Zone 7a winters for continued harvest. Spring-planted kale must be harvested before summer heat causes bolting, while fall-planted kale produces sweet, tender leaves through winter.
What kale varieties grow best in New York's climate?
Brassica oleracea 'Lacinato' performs excellently year-round with good heat tolerance for spring and excellent cold hardiness for fall. Brassica oleracea 'Winterbor' offers the best cold survival for winter harvest. Brassica oleracea 'Vates' works perfectly for container growing on balconies and rooftops due to its compact size. All varieties handle Zone 7a conditions well, but fall-planted crops consistently outperform spring plantings in flavor and pest resistance.
Can kale survive winter in New York?
Yes, kale survives most New York winters unprotected in Zone 7a. Fall-planted kale typically survives temperatures down to 10-15°F (-12 to -9°C) and continues growing during mild winter periods. Frost actually improves flavor by converting starches to sugars. For guaranteed winter survival, provide simple protection like row covers or cold frames, which allow fresh harvest through March. Winterbor and Lacinato varieties show the best winter survival rates.
How do I prevent kale from bolting in New York?
Choose heat-tolerant varieties like Lacinato for spring planting and provide afternoon shade during heat waves. Plant spring crops early (March 15-April 1) to harvest before sustained 80°F+ temperatures trigger bolting. Fall planting eliminates bolting problems since cool weather doesn't trigger flowering. Urban heat island effects make bolting more likely—container gardeners should move plants to shadier locations during summer heat waves.
What are the most common kale pests in New York?
Cabbage worms (green caterpillars from white butterflies) are the primary pest, creating large holes in leaves. Use row covers to exclude egg-laying adults or apply Bt spray weekly for organic control. Aphids cluster on leaf undersides causing curling; spray with strong water weekly or use insecticidal soap. Flea beetles create shot-hole damage on young plants; row covers during the first 4-6 weeks provide the best protection.
How much space does kale need in New York container gardens?
Each kale plant needs a container at least 5 gallons with 12-inch spacing from other plants. Vates variety works best in limited space due to its compact 12-16 inch height. Larger containers (15+ gallons) can hold multiple plants spaced 12 inches apart. Container depth should be at least 12 inches to accommodate kale's taproot system. Rooftop and balcony gardens benefit from windbreaks to protect large leaves from constant urban winds.
How long does it take kale to grow in New York?
Most varieties mature in 60-75 days from seed to full-size harvest, though you can begin harvesting outer leaves at 30-40 days. Red Russian matures fastest at 50-60 days. Fall plantings grow slower due to decreasing daylight but produce superior flavor. Plan 10-12 weeks from August planting to first frost for mature fall plants. Container-grown kale may take 7-10 days longer than ground-grown due to temperature fluctuations.
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Frank Russo
Frank retired from the city parks department after 28 years, the last fifteen as a grounds supervisor overseeing park plantings and maintenance crews. He now spends his time volunteering at a local historic garden, maintaining his own half-acre property in the Roxborough neighborhood, and writing about landscape maintenance, seasonal timing, and the practical side of keeping plants healthy through Mid-Atlantic winters and humid summers. Frank knows what works at scale and what's a waste of time—he's planted thousands of trees and shrubs and watched plenty of them fail. His advice tends toward what's proven and durable rather than what's trendy.
