Growing Kale in Zone 7A

Kale is an extremely cold-hardy green that actually tastes better after frost.

Zone 7A enjoys a long growing season. You can often get two plantings of cool-season crops (spring and fall).

Top Growing Tips

• One of the hardiest vegetables — survives into the 20s°F
• Flavor sweetens after frost exposure
• Harvest outer leaves first, leaving the center to keep growing
• Can overwinter in zones 7+ with mulch protection
• Lacinato (dinosaur) kale is the most cold-tolerant variety

Companion Planting

Good companions: beets, celery, herbs, onions, potatoes

Avoid planting near: strawberries, tomatoes

Harvest Timeline

50-65 days from seed (baby leaves at 25 days)

About Zone 7A

USDA Hardiness Zone 7A has an average last spring frost around Apr 5 and first fall frost around Oct 28. All planting dates above are calculated from these frost dates. Your specific location may vary — check with your local extension office for the most accurate dates.