Planting Guides

When to Plant Kale in Pittsburgh: Complete Guide + Best Varieties for Zone 6b

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

USDA Zone 6b

Last Frost: Apr 25

Last updated: October 30, 2025

Plant kale in Pittsburgh March 20-April 1 for spring crops or August 1-15 for superior fall harvest in Zone 6b.

LLinda Kowalski

October 30, 2025

Kale growing in Pittsburgh home garden with city skyline background — — Image © PlantReference.org 2026

Quick Answer

Plant kale in Pittsburgh March 20-April 1 for spring harvest or August 1-15 for fall. Fall crops taste superior after October 19 frost.

TL;DR

Plant kale in Pittsburgh March 20-April 1 for spring harvest or August 1-15 for superior fall crops. Zone 6b offers excellent kale-growing conditions with 178-day season. Fall-planted kale tastes sweeter after frost hits October 19th and can survive winter temperatures to 10°F with protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant kale in Pittsburgh for the best flavor?

Plant kale in Pittsburgh during August 1-15 for fall harvest. Fall-planted kale tastes dramatically better than spring crops because Pittsburgh's October 19th frost date converts starches to sugars, creating sweet, tender leaves. Spring planting (March 20-April 1) works well for early harvest, but summer heat causes bitterness and bolting.

Can kale survive Pittsburgh winters outdoors?

Yes, kale survives Pittsburgh's Zone 6b winters with proper protection. Varieties like Brassica oleracea 'Winterbor' and Brassica oleracea 'Redbor' tolerate temperatures to 10°F when mulched heavily and covered with row covers during severe cold spells. Position beds away from northwest winds and use 4-6 inches of straw mulch around plants.

What kale varieties work best in Pittsburgh's Zone 6b climate?

Brassica oleracea 'Winterbor' performs best overall for Pittsburgh, surviving harsh winters and developing excellent flavor after frost. Brassica oleracea 'Lacinato' offers superior eating quality, while Brassica oleracea 'Red Russian' matures quickly for spring crops. All varieties thrive in Pittsburgh's moderate climate, unlike warmer regions where heat limits options.

How do I prevent cabbage worms on kale in Pittsburgh?

Apply floating row covers immediately after planting to prevent cabbage moths from laying eggs. For active infestations, spray Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) weekly – this organic control specifically targets caterpillars without harming beneficial insects. Hand-pick larger worms in early morning when they're sluggish. Pittsburgh's humid springs and summers create ideal cabbage worm conditions.

When does kale bolt in Pittsburgh, and how can I prevent it?

Kale bolts when temperatures exceed 80°F consistently, typically during Pittsburgh's July-August heat. Spring-planted kale often bolts in late June or July. Prevent bolting by choosing slow-bolt varieties like Brassica oleracea 'Vates', providing afternoon shade during heat waves, and focusing on fall planting when cool weather naturally prevents bolting.

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Tagged with

#kale planting Pittsburgh #Zone 6b vegetables #Pennsylvania gardening #fall kale varieties #winter kale growing #Pittsburgh frost dates #cold hardy vegetables #spring kale planting #kale overwintering #Pennsylvania Zone 6b

Written By

Linda Kowalski

Linda's been growing tomatoes in containers on her suburban Pittsburgh balcony—ever since her kids grew up and she finally had time for hobbies again. She's a medical billing specialist by day and a tomato enthusiast by night and weekend. Linda started documenting her container growing experiments on a simple blog and discovered other renters and condo dwellers were desperate for practical advice. She tests different varieties every season, tracking yields, disease resistance, and flavor in a detailed spreadsheet. Linda's approach is practical and budget-conscious—she saves seeds, reuses containers, and makes her own fertilizer from kitchen scraps. Her specialty is maximizing production in small spaces, and she's perfected the art of growing full-size tomatoes in 5-gallon buckets. She's a Pennsylvania Master Gardener and teaches container growing workshops at her local library.