When to Plant Kale in Alaska
The toughest green in the garden. Kale laughs at frost and actually tastes sweeter after a cold snap.
The Short Answer
Alaska Frost Dates
Your planting dates depend on which part of Alaska you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:
| Region | Zones | Last Frost (Spring) | First Frost (Fall) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interior Alaska | 1a, 2a, 2b | May 15 - Jun 1 | Aug 20 - Sep 10 |
| Southcentral Alaska | 3b, 4a, 4b | May 1 - May 20 | Sep 10 - Sep 25 |
| Southeast Alaska | 5a, 5b, 6a | Apr 15 - May 5 | Sep 25 - Oct 15 |
Kale Planting Schedule for Alaska
Interior Alaska (Zones 1a, 2a, 2b)
Average last frost: May 15 - Jun 1 · Average first frost: Aug 20 - Sep 10
Southcentral Alaska (Zones 3b, 4a, 4b)
Average last frost: May 1 - May 20 · Average first frost: Sep 10 - Sep 25
Southeast Alaska (Zones 5a, 5b, 6a)
Average last frost: Apr 15 - May 5 · Average first frost: Sep 25 - Oct 15
Growing Kale in Alaska
Kale in Alaska's Climate
Kale is your climate's superstar. It thrives in cool weather, survives hard frosts, and actually improves in flavor after cold exposure. In northern zones, kale produces from April through December — one of the longest harvests of any crop. Snow-covered kale harvested in December is genuinely sweeter than summer kale. If you grow nothing else in a cold climate, grow kale.
Soil Considerations for Alaska
Varies widely. Interior has permafrost challenges. Raised beds essential for warming soil. Highly acidic soils common.
Alaska Climate & Growing Season
Extreme daylight variation. Summer days of 18-24 hours of sunlight accelerate growth. Very short growing season in interior. Kale can handle frost well, which is an advantage in Alaska's climate. You can push planting dates earlier in spring and extend into fall.
Growing season length varies across Alaska: Interior Alaska (1a, 2a, 2b) has a last frost around May 15 - Jun 1, while Southeast Alaska (5a, 5b, 6a) sees frost end around Apr 15 - May 5. This difference matters for kale — adjust your planting dates to match your specific region.
Growing Tips
Harvest outer leaves first, leaving the center to keep growing. Can survive temperatures down to 10°F with mulch protection.
Companion Planting
Plant kale alongside these companions for better growth:
Keep kale away from:
The Bottom Line
Last reviewed: March 29, 2026