Virginia gardeners find success planting kale in early spring once the soil can be worked, then again in late summer. Knowing the best time to plant kale in virginia is the key to a long harvest season. This guide walks you through the exact timing for both spring and fall crops, plus tips for soil prep and variety selection.
Kale thrives in cool weather. It actually tastes sweeter after a light frost. So if you time it right, you can enjoy fresh leaves from your garden for months.
Best Time To Plant Kale In Virginia
The best time to plant kale in virginia splits into two main windows. For spring, aim for March to early April. For fall, target late July through August. This gives you two full harvests each year.
Virginia spans USDA hardiness zones 5b to 8a. Your exact dates depend on your specific zone. Northern Virginia (zones 6b-7a) runs cooler than the southeastern part (zones 7b-8a). Adjust your planting by about two weeks earlier or later based on your location.
Spring Planting Window
Start spring kale seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before your last expected frost. For most of Virginia, that means starting seeds in late February or early March. Transplant seedlings outdoors when the soil is workable and temperatures stay above 40°F at night.
Direct sowing works too. Plant seeds 1/2 inch deep in the garden once the soil reaches at least 45°F. In central Virginia, that usually happens by mid-March. In the mountains, wait until early April.
Spring Planting Checklist
- Check soil temperature with a thermometer
- Work compost into the bed before planting
- Space plants 12-18 inches apart
- Water consistently, about 1 inch per week
- Use row covers if a late frost threatens
Fall Planting Window
Fall kale is often better than spring kale. The cooler temperatures and shorter days produce tender, sweet leaves. Plant kale for fall harvest about 6-8 weeks before your first expected frost. In Virginia, that means late July to late August.
For central Virginia (Richmond area), plant fall kale around August 1-15. For northern Virginia, aim for late July. For southeastern Virginia, you can push planting into early September.
Fall Planting Tips
- Choose a spot that gets afternoon shade if possible
- Water deeply to help seeds germinate in summer heat
- Mulch around plants to keep soil cool
- Thin seedlings to proper spacing once they have 4 leaves
- Harvest from the bottom up, leaving the growing tip
Understanding Virginia’s Growing Zones
Virginia’s climate varies widely. The coastal plain near the Chesapeake Bay is warmer and more humid. The Piedmont region has moderate temperatures. The Appalachian Mountains are cooler with shorter growing seasons.
Here is a quick breakdown by region:
- Northern Virginia (zones 6b-7a): Last frost around April 15-30. First frost around October 15-30. Plant spring kale in late March to early April. Plant fall kale in late July to early August.
- Central Virginia (zones 7a-7b): Last frost around April 1-15. First frost around October 20-November 5. Plant spring kale in mid-March to early April. Plant fall kale in early to mid-August.
- Southeastern Virginia (zones 7b-8a): Last frost around March 15-30. First frost around November 5-20. Plant spring kale in early to mid-March. Plant fall kale in mid-August to early September.
- Southwest Virginia (zones 5b-6b): Last frost around May 1-15. First frost around September 30-October 15. Plant spring kale in late April to early May. Plant fall kale in late July to early August.
Soil Preparation For Kale
Kale grows best in rich, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Test your soil before planting. Virginia soils are often acidic, so you may need to add lime.
Work in 2-3 inches of compost or aged manure before planting. This provides nitrogen for leafy growth. Kale is a heavy feeder, so don’t skip this step.
Improving Heavy Clay Soil
Many Virginia gardens have clay soil. This drains slowly and can cause root rot. To improve it:
- Add organic matter like leaf mold or compost
- Use raised beds for better drainage
- Plant on mounds or ridges
- Avoid walking on wet soil
Fertilizer Schedule
Kale needs consistent nutrition. Apply a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) at planting time. Side-dress with nitrogen-rich fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. Fish emulsion or blood meal works well for organic gardens.
Best Kale Varieties For Virginia
Not all kale varieties perform the same in Virginia’s climate. Some handle heat better. Others are more cold-tolerant. Here are top picks:
- Lacinato (Dinosaur) Kale: Tolerates heat well. Good for spring and fall. Dark blue-green leaves.
- Red Russian Kale: Very cold-hardy. Sweetens after frost. Great for fall planting.
- Winterbor Kale: Extremely cold-tolerant. Can survive winter in most of Virginia. Harvest into December.
- Vates Blue Curled Kale: Dwarf variety. Good for small spaces. Resists cold and heat.
- Scarlet Kale: Ornamental and edible. Purple stems. Tolerates light frost.
Step-By-Step Planting Guide
Follow these steps for successful kale planting in Virginia:
Starting Seeds Indoors
- Fill seed trays with seed-starting mix
- Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep
- Keep soil moist and warm (65-75°F)
- Seedlings emerge in 5-8 days
- Provide 14-16 hours of light daily
- Harden off seedlings for 7-10 days before transplanting
Direct Sowing Outdoors
- Prepare the garden bed as described above
- Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep, 2-3 seeds per foot
- Cover lightly with soil and water gently
- Thin to 12-18 inches apart when seedlings have 4 true leaves
- Keep soil consistently moist during germination
Transplanting Seedlings
- Dig holes slightly larger than the root ball
- Space plants 12-18 inches apart in rows 18-24 inches apart
- Plant at the same depth as in the pot
- Water thoroughly after planting
- Apply a layer of mulch to retain moisture
Watering And Mulching
Kale needs about 1-1.5 inches of water per week. In Virginia’s hot summers, you may need to water more frequently. Water at the base of plants to avoid wetting the leaves, which can promote disease.
Mulch with straw, shredded leaves, or grass clippings. This keeps soil cool, retains moisture, and suppresses weeds. Apply 2-3 inches around each plant.
Pest And Disease Management
Kale in Virginia faces several common pests. Here is how to handle them:
Cabbage Worms And Loopers
These green caterpillars chew holes in leaves. Hand-pick them off plants. Use row covers to prevent butterflies from laying eggs. Spray with Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) if infestations are heavy.
Aphids
Tiny insects that cluster on leaf undersides. Blast them off with a strong spray of water. Introduce ladybugs or lacewings. Use insecticidal soap as a last resort.
Flea Beetles
Small jumping beetles that create shot-hole damage. Use row covers on young plants. Apply diatomaceous earth around the base. Keep the garden weed-free.
Diseases
Common kale diseases in Virginia include downy mildew and black rot. Prevent them by spacing plants for good air circulation. Avoid overhead watering. Rotate crops each year.
Harvesting Kale
Start harvesting when plants have at least 10-12 leaves. Pick the oldest, largest leaves from the bottom of the plant. Leave the central growing tip intact. This encourages continued production.
Harvest regularly to keep plants productive. In spring, harvest before temperatures consistently exceed 80°F. In fall, harvest until hard freezes kill the plants. Many Virginia gardeners harvest kale into December with some protection.
How To Harvest
- Use clean scissors or garden shears
- Cut leaves at the base of the stem
- Harvest in the morning for best flavor
- Wash leaves thoroughly before eating
- Store in the refrigerator for up to a week
Extending The Harvest Season
You can extend your kale harvest well into winter with some simple techniques:
- Cold frames: Build or buy a cold frame to protect plants from frost
- Row covers: Use floating row covers to add 5-10°F of protection
- Mulch heavily: Apply 6-8 inches of straw around plants before hard freeze
- Choose winter varieties: Winterbor and Red Russian survive cold better
In mild Virginia winters, kale often survives without any protection. In the mountains, you may need more help. Either way, fresh kale from the garden in December is a real treat.
Companion Planting For Kale
Kale grows well with certain plants. Good companions include:
- Beets
- Celery
- Onions
- Potatoes
- Mint (repels pests)
- Dill (attracts beneficial insects)
Avoid planting kale near other brassicas like broccoli, cauliflower, or cabbage. They compete for nutrients and share pests. Also avoid strawberries and tomatoes, which can stunt kale growth.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Even experienced Virginia gardeners make mistakes with kale. Here are the most common ones:
- Planting too late in spring: Kale bolts when temperatures rise above 80°F. Plant early enough to harvest before June.
- Planting too early in fall: Seeds may not germinate in hot August soil. Wait until soil cools to 70°F or below.
- Overcrowding: Kale needs space for good air circulation. Thin plants to proper spacing.
- Underwatering: Kale is 90% water. Consistent moisture is critical for tender leaves.
- Ignoring pests: Check leaves weekly for caterpillars and aphids. Early intervention is easier.
- Harvesting too much at once: Never remove more than one-third of the leaves at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Plant Kale In Virginia In The Summer?
Summer planting is not ideal because kale prefers cool weather. However, you can plant heat-tolerant varieties like Lacinato in late summer for a fall harvest. Provide shade and extra water during hot spells.
What Is The Latest I Can Plant Kale In Virginia?
For fall harvest, plant no later than early September in most of Virginia. In southeastern Virginia, you can push to mid-September. In the mountains, plant by mid-August. Later plantings may not mature before hard frost.
Does Kale Need Full Sun In Virginia?
Kale grows best in full sun (6-8 hours daily). In Virginia’s hot summers, afternoon shade can help prevent bolting. Morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal for fall plantings.
How Do I Know When Soil Is Workable In Virginia?
Soil is workable when it crumbles easily in your hand. If it forms a sticky ball, it’s too wet. Wait a few days and test again. Working wet soil damages its structure.
Can I Grow Kale Year-round In Virginia?
With protection, yes. Use cold frames or row covers to extend the season. In mild winters, kale often survives without protection. In colder areas, you can harvest until December and start again in early spring.
Final Tips For Virginia Kale Growers
Kale is one of the easiest and most rewarding crops for Virginia gardens. The key is timing. Plant early enough in spring to beat the heat. Plant late enough in summer to avoid the heat. With two planting windows, you can enjoy fresh kale for most of the year.
Start small if you are new to gardening. Even a few plants can provide a steady supply of leaves. As you gain experience, experiment with different varieties and planting dates. Your local extension office can provide specific advice for your county.
Remember that kale tastes better after frost. Don’t rush to harvest all your fall crop before winter. Leave some plants in the ground and enjoy the sweetened leaves after a cold snap. Virginia’s climate is perfect for this cold-loving crop.
With proper timing and care, you will have more kale than you know what to do with. Share with neighbors, freeze extra leaves, or add them to smoothies. However you use it, homegrown kale beats anything from the store.
So mark your calendar for early spring and late summer. Those are your windows for planting kale in Virginia. Get your soil ready, choose your varieties, and enjoy the bounty. Happy growing.