When to plant kale in Wisconsin
Wisconsin spans USDA zones 4b–6a, so the right time to plant kale shifts by weeks across the state. The window to transplant seedlings outdoors runs from about March 22 in Pleasant Prairie to April 13 in River Falls — below are local dates for 97 cities, each computed from its own frost dates.
| City | Zone | Last frost | First frost | Transplant out |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee | 6a | April 26 | October 18 | March 29 – April 12 |
| Madison | 5a | May 1 | October 9 | April 3 – April 17 |
| Green Bay | 5b | May 7 | October 9 | April 9 – April 23 |
| Kenosha | 5b | April 28 | October 19 | March 31 – April 14 |
| Racine | 6a | April 20 | October 24 | March 23 – April 6 |
| Appleton | 5b | May 4 | October 6 | April 6 – April 20 |
| Waukesha | 5b | May 1 | October 13 | April 3 – April 17 |
| Eau Claire | 4b | April 24 | October 14 | March 27 – April 10 |
Kale in Wisconsin: FAQ
When can I plant kale in Wisconsin?
Across Wisconsin, the time to transplant kale spans roughly March 22 in Pleasant Prairie to April 13 in River Falls, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the kale planting date vary across Wisconsin?
Yes. Wisconsin publishes 97 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 Wisconsin?
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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