When to Plant Kale in Indiana
The toughest green in the garden. Kale laughs at frost and actually tastes sweeter after a cold snap.
The Short Answer
Indiana Frost Dates
Your planting dates depend on which part of Indiana you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:
| Region | Zones | Last Frost (Spring) | First Frost (Fall) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Indiana | 5b, 6a | Apr 25 - May 10 | Oct 1 - Oct 15 |
| Central Indiana | 6a, 6b | Apr 15 - May 1 | Oct 10 - Oct 25 |
| Southern Indiana | 6b | Apr 10 - Apr 25 | Oct 15 - Nov 1 |
Kale Planting Schedule for Indiana
Northern Indiana (Zones 5b, 6a)
Average last frost: Apr 25 - May 10 · Average first frost: Oct 1 - Oct 15
Central Indiana (Zones 6a, 6b)
Average last frost: Apr 15 - May 1 · Average first frost: Oct 10 - Oct 25
Southern Indiana (Zones 6b)
Average last frost: Apr 10 - Apr 25 · Average first frost: Oct 15 - Nov 1
Growing Kale in Indiana
Kale in Indiana's Climate
Kale grows from early spring through late fall in your climate — frost-tolerant enough to be one of the first and last crops of the season. Fall-harvested kale sweetened by frost is the highlight. Summer kale production may pause during the hottest weeks (above 85°F) but typically resumes as temperatures moderate.
Soil Considerations for Indiana
Clay-heavy soils common statewide. Rich but can have drainage issues. Raised beds help with heavy clay.
Indiana Climate & Growing Season
Four seasons. Hot, humid summers. Adequate rainfall for most crops. Occasional late spring frosts catch gardeners off guard. Kale can handle frost well, which is an advantage in Indiana's climate. You can push planting dates earlier in spring and extend into fall.
Growing season length varies across Indiana: Northern Indiana (5b, 6a) has a last frost around Apr 25 - May 10, while Southern Indiana (6b) sees frost end around Apr 10 - Apr 25. 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