When to plant kale in Vermont
Vermont spans USDA zones 5a–5b, so the right time to plant kale shifts by weeks across the state. The window to transplant seedlings outdoors runs from about April 1 in Burlington to April 17 in Rutland — below are local dates for 4 cities, each computed from its own frost dates.
| City | Zone | Last frost | First frost | Transplant out |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burlington | 5b | April 29 | October 15 | April 1 – April 15 |
| South Burlington | 5a | April 29 | October 15 | April 1 – April 15 |
| Rutland | 5a | May 15 | September 27 | April 17 – May 1 |
| Essex Junction | 5a | May 2 | October 11 | April 4 – April 18 |
Kale in Vermont: FAQ
When can I plant kale in Vermont?
Across Vermont, the time to transplant kale spans roughly April 1 in Burlington to April 17 in Rutland, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the kale planting date vary across Vermont?
Yes. Vermont publishes 4 cities with their own frost dates, so the right kale planting window shifts by weeks between the warmest and coldest parts of the state — use your city's page for the exact dates.
How long does kale take to grow in Vermont?
Kale takes about 50–65 days to reach harvest once planted — check that this fits inside your city's frost-free season on its place page.
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