Cool-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Kale in Michigan

The toughest green in the garden. Kale laughs at frost and actually tastes sweeter after a cold snap.

The Short Answer

Michigan's cool climate is kale heaven. The crop thrives in the state's moderate temperatures, and Michigan's gardeners can harvest kale from April through December — one of the longest kale seasons in the country. The frozen kale still standing in a December Michigan garden is a testament to the crop's extraordinary hardiness.

Michigan Frost Dates

Your planting dates depend on which part of Michigan you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Upper Peninsula 4a, 4b, 5a May 15 - Jun 5 Sep 10 - Sep 25
Northern Lower Michigan 5a, 5b May 10 - May 25 Sep 20 - Oct 5
Southern Michigan 5b, 6a, 6b Apr 25 - May 10 Oct 1 - Oct 15

Kale Planting Schedule for Michigan

Upper Peninsula (Zones 4a, 4b, 5a)

Average last frost: May 15 - Jun 5 · Average first frost: Sep 10 - Sep 25

Start Seeds Indoors
4 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
3 wks before frost
Direct Sow
4 wks before frost
Fall Planting
8 wks before first frost

Northern Lower Michigan (Zones 5a, 5b)

Average last frost: May 10 - May 25 · Average first frost: Sep 20 - Oct 5

Start Seeds Indoors
4 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
3 wks before frost
Direct Sow
4 wks before frost
Fall Planting
8 wks before first frost

Southern Michigan (Zones 5b, 6a, 6b)

Average last frost: Apr 25 - May 10 · Average first frost: Oct 1 - Oct 15

Start Seeds Indoors
4 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
3 wks before frost
Direct Sow
4 wks before frost
Fall Planting
8 wks before first frost

Growing Kale in Michigan

State-Specific Growing Tips

Spring: direct sow from mid-April. Kale grows steadily through Michigan's cool springs and even produces through moderate summer heat. Fall: direct sow in late July for harvest that continues well past first frost. In northern Michigan and the UP, kale is one of the most reliable crops — it thrives in conditions that challenge warm-season vegetables. Michigan's sandy western soils grow kale well with compost. Southeast clay is fine for kale.

Recommended Varieties for Michigan

Winterbor for Michigan's harsh winters — it's one of the last kale varieties standing in deep cold. Red Russian for early spring salads. Lacinato for cooking. MSU Extension lists kale among the easiest crops for Michigan gardeners.

Common Challenges in Michigan

Cabbage worms and aphids. Flea beetles on young spring plants. Slugs in western Michigan's damp conditions. The biggest 'challenge' is using all the kale — one plant produces more than most families can eat.

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:

Beets Celery Herbs Onions

Keep kale away from:

Strawberries Tomatoes

The Bottom Line

Kale can be grown successfully in Michigan with proper attention to regional frost dates and local growing conditions. Timing varies across the state — Upper Peninsula gardeners work with a last frost around May 15 - Jun 5, while Southern Michigan sees frost end around Apr 25 - May 10. Choose varieties suited to your region, amend your soil based on its specific needs, and monitor for the pests and diseases most common in your area. For exact dates based on your zip code, use our free planting date finder.

Related Guides

Kale Growing Guide National planting guide with all states Michigan Planting Calendar All plants for Michigan Kale in Alabama Alabama planting dates Kale in Alaska Alaska planting dates Kale in Arizona Arizona planting dates Kale in Arkansas Arkansas planting dates
Note: All dates are based on NOAA 30-year Climate Normals and represent historical averages, not predictions for any specific year. Always check your local weather forecast before planting frost-sensitive crops. Learn about our data sources.

Last reviewed: March 29, 2026

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