When to plant kale in Maine

Plant out in Portland

Mar 29–Apr 12

Across Maine the window opens between March 28 and April 18. Find your city below; the dates follow each town's own average last frost.

Plant out, Portland: Mar 29–Apr 12
Sow outdoors, Portland: Mar 29–Apr 12
Fall planting, Portland: Aug 6–Aug 20
Last frost, Portland: Apr 26

Plant out 2–4 weeks before the last frost; sow outdoors 2–4 weeks before the last frost; sow again for fall 8–10 weeks before the first frost. Kale keeps producing through frost and often into winter.

Kale planting dates by city

Start indoorsPlant outSow outdoorsFall plantingAverage last and first frost

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PortlandMar 29–Apr 12

LewistonMar 28–Apr 11

BangorApr 6–Apr 20

South PortlandMar 29–Apr 12

AuburnMar 28–Apr 11

SanfordApr 18–May 2

BiddefordApr 11–Apr 25

WestbrookMar 29–Apr 12

SacoMar 29–Apr 12

Questions

When should I plant kale in Maine?

In Portland, plant out from March 29 to April 12. Across Maine the window opens between March 28 and April 18, depending on the local last frost.

How is this date worked out?

Plant out 2–4 weeks before the last frost; sow outdoors 2–4 weeks before the last frost; sow again for fall 8–10 weeks before the first frost. Frost dates are NOAA 1991–2020 averages for the weather station nearest each city.

More for Maine

Kale in other states

Frost dates for every city in Maine