When to Plant Kale in West Virginia
The toughest green in the garden. Kale laughs at frost and actually tastes sweeter after a cold snap.
The Short Answer
West Virginia Frost Dates
Your planting dates depend on which part of West Virginia you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:
| Region | Zones | Last Frost (Spring) | First Frost (Fall) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern Panhandle | 6a, 6b | Apr 20 - May 5 | Oct 5 - Oct 20 |
| Central Mountains | 5a, 5b, 6a | May 1 - May 20 | Sep 20 - Oct 10 |
| Southern Valleys | 6b, 7a | Apr 10 - Apr 25 | Oct 15 - Nov 1 |
Kale Planting Schedule for West Virginia
Eastern Panhandle (Zones 6a, 6b)
Average last frost: Apr 20 - May 5 · Average first frost: Oct 5 - Oct 20
Central Mountains (Zones 5a, 5b, 6a)
Average last frost: May 1 - May 20 · Average first frost: Sep 20 - Oct 10
Southern Valleys (Zones 6b, 7a)
Average last frost: Apr 10 - Apr 25 · Average first frost: Oct 15 - Nov 1
Growing Kale in West Virginia
Kale in West Virginia'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 West Virginia
Shale and sandstone soils. Acidic throughout. Thin mountain soils. Valleys have better soil depth. Raised beds often recommended.
West Virginia Climate & Growing Season
Mountain climate with significant elevation variation. Cooler summers at altitude. Good rainfall. Microclimates in valleys. Kale can handle frost well, which is an advantage in West Virginia's climate. You can push planting dates earlier in spring and extend into fall.
Growing season length varies across West Virginia: Eastern Panhandle (6a, 6b) has a last frost around Apr 20 - May 5, while Southern Valleys (6b, 7a) 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