Missouri’s hot summers make fall planting the preferred timing for sweet, tender kale. If you’re wondering about the best time to plant kale in missouri, the answer depends on whether you want a spring or fall crop, but fall is the clear winner for flavor and ease.
Kale loves cool weather. In Missouri, summers can get brutal, with temps often hitting the 90s. That heat makes kale turn bitter and tough. So, timing is everything.
Let’s break down exactly when to plant kale in Missouri, step by step. We’ll cover spring and fall planting, plus tips for a great harvest.
Best Time To Plant Kale In Missouri
The best time to plant kale in missouri is actually two windows: early spring for a late spring harvest, and late summer for a fall harvest. But fall planting gives you the sweetest, most tender leaves.
Kale is a cool-season crop. It thrives when temperatures are between 60°F and 70°F. It can even handle light frosts, which actually make the leaves sweeter.
In Missouri, your planting windows are:
- Spring planting: 3 to 4 weeks before the last frost date. That’s usually mid-March to early April in most of Missouri.
- Fall planting: 6 to 8 weeks before the first frost date. That’s typically late July to early September, depending on your zone.
Let’s dive deeper into each season.
Spring Planting For Kale In Missouri
Spring planting is possible, but you have to be quick. Kale planted in spring will bolt (go to seed) once the heat hits. So you need to harvest it before June.
Here’s a simple timeline for spring kale in Missouri:
- Check your local last frost date. For most of Missouri, it’s around April 10 to April 20.
- Start seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before that date. That means late February to early March.
- Transplant seedlings outdoors 3 to 4 weeks before the last frost. So, late March to early April.
- You can also direct sow seeds outdoors 2 to 3 weeks before the last frost. That’s early April.
Spring kale grows fast. You can start harvesting baby leaves in about 30 days. But once daytime temps hit 80°F, the leaves get tough and bitter. So enjoy it while you can.
Fall Planting For Kale In Missouri
Fall is the superstar season for kale in Missouri. The cooler temps and frosts make the leaves sweet and tender. Plus, you don’t have to fight the heat.
For fall kale, you want to plant so the crop matures in cool weather. Here’s the timing:
- Find your first frost date. In Missouri, it’s usually October 15 to November 1, depending on your region.
- Count back 6 to 8 weeks. That gives you a planting window from late July to early September.
- For northern Missouri, aim for late July to mid-August.
- For central Missouri, aim for mid-August to late August.
- For southern Missouri, aim for late August to early September.
You can direct sow seeds or transplant seedlings. Fall kale grows slower than spring kale because the days are shorter, but the flavor is worth the wait.
Kale can handle light frosts. In fact, a frost triggers the plant to convert starches to sugars, making the leaves sweeter. You can harvest fall kale well into November, sometimes even December if you use row covers.
Understanding Missouri’s Growing Zones
Missouri spans USDA hardiness zones 5b to 7a. That affects your planting dates.
- Zone 5b (northern Missouri): Last frost around April 20, first frost around October 10. Spring planting: late March to early April. Fall planting: late July to mid-August.
- Zone 6a/6b (central Missouri): Last frost around April 10, first frost around October 20. Spring planting: mid-March to early April. Fall planting: early August to late August.
- Zone 7a (southern Missouri): Last frost around March 30, first frost around November 1. Spring planting: early to mid-March. Fall planting: mid-August to early September.
Always check your local frost dates. They can vary by a week or two even within the same zone.
How To Plant Kale In Missouri
Once you know your timing, planting kale is straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide.
Choose The Right Kale Variety
Some kale varieties handle Missouri’s heat better than others. For spring, choose fast-maturing types. For fall, you have more options.
- For spring: ‘Red Russian’ or ‘White Russian’ kale. They grow fast and stay tender longer.
- For fall: ‘Lacinato’ (also called Dinosaur kale), ‘Winterbor’, or ‘Siberian’ kale. These are cold-hardy and sweeten with frost.
- All-purpose: ‘Vates’ or ‘Dwarf Blue Curled’ kale. They work for both seasons.
Prepare The Soil
Kale likes rich, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Before planting, mix in compost or aged manure.
If you’re planting in late summer for fall, the soil will be warm and dry. Water it well a day before planting to cool it down.
Sow Seeds Or Transplants
You can start kale from seeds or buy transplants from a nursery.
- Seeds: Sow 1/2 inch deep, 1 inch apart. Thin seedlings to 12 to 18 inches apart once they have 4 leaves.
- Transplants: Space them 12 to 18 inches apart in rows 18 to 24 inches apart.
For fall planting, direct sowing is easier because the soil is warm. But transplants give you a head start if you’re planting late.
Water And Mulch
Kale needs consistent moisture. Water deeply once or twice a week, more often in hot weather. Mulch around the plants with straw or shredded leaves to keep the soil cool and moist.
For fall kale, mulch also helps protect the roots from early frosts.
Caring For Kale Through The Seasons
Kale is low-maintenance, but a little care goes a long way.
Fertilizing
Kale is a heavy feeder. Side-dress with compost or a balanced fertilizer (like 10-10-10) every 4 to 6 weeks. For fall kale, stop fertilizing by mid-October so the plant focuses on flavor, not growth.
Pest Control
In Missouri, common kale pests include aphids, cabbage worms, and flea beetles. Use row covers to protect young plants. Handpick caterpillars. Spray neem oil for aphids if needed.
Fall kale usually has fewer pest problems because the weather cools down.
Harvesting
You can start harvesting baby leaves when the plant has 10 to 12 leaves. Pick the outer leaves first, leaving the inner ones to grow. For full-sized leaves, wait until the plant is 8 to 10 inches tall.
Spring kale: Harvest before temps hit 80°F. Fall kale: Harvest after a frost for the sweetest flavor. You can keep harvesting until the ground freezes.
Common Mistakes When Planting Kale In Missouri
Even experienced gardeners make mistakes. Here are the most common ones.
- Planting too late in spring: Kale planted in May will bolt quickly. Stick to March or April.
- Planting too early in fall: If you plant in September, the kale might not mature before frost. Aim for late July to August.
- Overcrowding: Kale needs space. Thin seedlings to 12 inches apart. Crowded plants get leggy and produce smaller leaves.
- Neglecting water: Kale is 90% water. Dry soil makes leaves tough and bitter.
- Forgetting frost protection: While kale handles light frost, a hard freeze (below 25°F) can damage it. Use row covers or cloches if a hard freeze is forecast.
Extending Your Kale Harvest In Missouri
You can enjoy kale from your garden for months if you plan right.
For spring, plant a second round of seeds in early April. That gives you a staggered harvest through May.
For fall, plant multiple varieties with different maturity dates. ‘Red Russian’ matures in 50 days, while ‘Winterbor’ takes 60 to 70 days. Plant them at the same time, and you’ll have a longer harvest window.
You can also overwinter kale. In southern Missouri, kale can survive the winter with protection. In northern Missouri, mulch heavily and use a cold frame. The leaves will be extra sweet in early spring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plant kale in Missouri in July?
Yes, but only for a fall harvest. Plant in late July to early August, depending on your zone. The kale will mature in cool fall weather.
What is the best kale variety for Missouri summers?
‘Red Russian’ and ‘White Russian’ kale handle heat better than most. They stay tender longer in warm weather.
How late can I plant kale in Missouri for fall?
You can plant as late as early September in southern Missouri, but mid-August is safer. Later plantings may not have time to mature before hard frost.
Does kale need full sun in Missouri?
Kale prefers full sun (6 to 8 hours daily), but it can tolerate partial shade. In Missouri’s hot summers, afternoon shade can actually help prevent bolting.
Can I grow kale in containers in Missouri?
Yes. Use a pot at least 12 inches deep and wide. Fill with rich potting soil. Water more often because containers dry out faster. Place in a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade.
Final Tips For Success
Planting kale at the right time in Missouri is the key to a great harvest. Remember these points:
- Fall planting gives you the sweetest kale. Aim for late July to August.
- Spring planting works if you plant early and harvest before June.
- Use row covers for pest protection and frost protection.
- Harvest outer leaves regularly to encourage new growth.
- Don’t be afraid of frost. It makes kale taste better.
Kale is one of the easiest vegetables to grow in Missouri. With the right timing, you’ll have fresh, tender leaves from spring through late fall. Start planning your planting dates now, and you’ll be enjoying homegrown kale in no time.
If you miss the spring window, don’t worry. Fall planting is actually better. Just mark your calendar for late July or August, and get those seeds in the ground. Your taste buds will thank you.
One more thing: kale is a cut-and-come-again crop. As long as you leave the center leaves, the plant will keep producing. That means one planting can give you weeks of harvests. Pretty neat, right?
So go ahead, check your frost dates, pick your variety, and get planting. Missouri’s climate is perfect for kale if you time it right. Happy growing!