Cool-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Kale in Nevada

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

The Short Answer

Kale are cold-tolerant and do well in Nevada's humid climate. You can direct sow 4 weeks before your last frost — that's as early as May 1 - May 20 in Northern Nevada (Reno). Nevada gardeners can also plant a fall crop. Desert soils — alkaline, low organic matter. Extremely dry. Heavy amendment essential. Irrigation...

Nevada Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Northern Nevada (Reno) 6b, 7a May 1 - May 20 Sep 25 - Oct 15
Las Vegas 8b, 9a, 9b Feb 10 - Mar 5 Nov 10 - Dec 1
Mountain Nevada 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b May 25 - Jun 15 Aug 25 - Sep 15

Kale Planting Schedule for Nevada

Northern Nevada (Reno) (Zones 6b, 7a)

Average last frost: May 1 - May 20 · Average first frost: Sep 25 - 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

Las Vegas (Zones 8b, 9a, 9b)

Average last frost: Feb 10 - Mar 5 · Average first frost: Nov 10 - Dec 1

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

Mountain Nevada (Zones 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b)

Average last frost: May 25 - Jun 15 · Average first frost: Aug 25 - Sep 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 Nevada

Kale in Nevada's Climate

Grow kale from November through February. The window is shorter than in moderate climates but productive. Kale handles Florida's occasional frost better than most cool-season crops. Once spring temperatures climb consistently above 80°F, kale bolts and becomes bitter.

Soil Considerations for Nevada

Desert soils — alkaline, low organic matter. Extremely dry. Heavy amendment essential. Irrigation required.

Nevada Climate & Growing Season

Arid climate. Extreme heat in summer (Las Vegas). Short season at altitude. Very low humidity. Water conservation critical. Kale can handle frost well, which is an advantage in Nevada's climate. You can push planting dates earlier in spring and extend into fall.

Growing season length varies across Nevada: Northern Nevada (Reno) (6b, 7a) has a last frost around May 1 - May 20, while Mountain Nevada (4a, 4b, 5a, 5b) sees frost end around May 25 - Jun 15. 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:

Beets Celery Herbs Onions

Keep kale away from:

Strawberries Tomatoes

The Bottom Line

Kale can be grown successfully across Nevada, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. Northern Nevada (Reno) gardeners should plan around a May 1 - May 20 last frost, while those in Mountain Nevada can typically plant later. 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 Nevada Planting Calendar All plants for Nevada 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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