Cool-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Kale in Oklahoma

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 Oklahoma's varied climate. You can direct sow 4 weeks before your last frost — that's as early as Apr 5 - Apr 20 in Northern Oklahoma. Oklahoma gardeners can also plant a fall crop. Red clay soils common. Alkaline in west. Rich prairie soils in east. Wind erosion in western...

Oklahoma Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Northern Oklahoma 6b, 7a Apr 5 - Apr 20 Oct 15 - Nov 1
Central Oklahoma 7a, 7b Mar 25 - Apr 10 Oct 25 - Nov 10
Southern Oklahoma 7b Mar 15 - Apr 1 Nov 1 - Nov 15

Kale Planting Schedule for Oklahoma

Northern Oklahoma (Zones 6b, 7a)

Average last frost: Apr 5 - Apr 20 · Average first frost: Oct 15 - Nov 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

Central Oklahoma (Zones 7a, 7b)

Average last frost: Mar 25 - Apr 10 · Average first frost: Oct 25 - Nov 10

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 Oklahoma (Zones 7b)

Average last frost: Mar 15 - Apr 1 · Average first frost: Nov 1 - Nov 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 Oklahoma

Kale in Oklahoma's Climate

Kale is a cool-season green in warm climates, producing from October through March. It handles your lightest frosts without damage and keeps producing when lettuce and spinach have bolted. In the mildest parts of your zone, kale can produce through the entire winter without protection.

Soil Considerations for Oklahoma

Red clay soils common. Alkaline in west. Rich prairie soils in east. Wind erosion in western panhandle.

Oklahoma Climate & Growing Season

Hot summers. Severe thunderstorms and tornado risk. Good growing season length. Windy — windbreaks help gardens. Kale can handle frost well, which is an advantage in Oklahoma's climate. You can push planting dates earlier in spring and extend into fall.

Growing season length varies across Oklahoma: Northern Oklahoma (6b, 7a) has a last frost around Apr 5 - Apr 20, while Southern Oklahoma (7b) sees frost end around Mar 15 - Apr 1. 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 Oklahoma, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. Northern Oklahoma gardeners should plan around a Apr 5 - Apr 20 last frost, while those in Southern Oklahoma can typically plant earlier. 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 Oklahoma Planting Calendar All plants for Oklahoma 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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