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The best time to plant kale and Swiss chard is in the early spring or late summer for a fall harvest.
Knowing when to plant kale and Swiss chard really comes down to understanding their love for cooler weather.
If you plant kale and Swiss chard at the right time, you’ll enjoy tender leaves for months on end.
In this post, we’ll cover the perfect planting windows, how to stagger your planting of kale and Swiss chard, and a few regional tips.
Let’s dig in and get your garden growing.
When to Plant Kale and Swiss Chard for the Best Results
When to plant kale and Swiss chard is actually a two-part answer because these leafy greens thrive in both spring and fall.
The key is timing your planting of kale and Swiss chard so they mature in mild temperatures rather than extreme heat.
Here’s a closer look at the best windows for planting kale and Swiss chard in most climates.
1. Early Spring Planting for a Summer Crop
You can plant kale and Swiss chard as soon as the soil is workable in early spring.
That’s usually two to four weeks before your last expected frost date.
Both kale and Swiss chard are frost-hardy, so a light freeze won’t hurt young seedlings.
In fact, a little cold snaps can even make the leaves sweeter after you plant kale and Swiss chard.
If you’re sowing seeds directly, aim for soil temperatures around 50°F to 60°F for the best germination.
This early planting of kale and Swiss chard gives you a steady harvest from late spring into early summer.
2. Late Summer Planting for a Fall Harvest
The second prime time to plant kale and Swiss chard is about six to eight weeks before your first fall frost.
This late summer window is often even better than spring because the soil is warm, which speeds up germination.
As temperatures cool down in autumn, your plants will slow their growth and focus on producing tender leaves.
You can plant kale and Swiss chard in late July or August in most northern regions.
In warmer southern areas, you might wait until September or even October to plant kale and Swiss chard.
This timing ensures they mature in the crisp, sweet air of fall rather than the scorching summer heat.
3. Succession Planting for a Continuous Supply
Instead of planting all your seeds at once, you can stagger when to plant kale and Swiss chard every two to three weeks.
This way, you’ll have a nonstop supply of fresh greens from spring through late fall.
For example, you could plant kale and Swiss chard in early spring, then again in mid-spring, and finally in late summer.
Succession planting of kale and Swiss chard means you never run out of leaves for salads, sautés, or smoothies.
Just remember to stop planting about four weeks before your first frost so the last crop has time to mature.
4. Year-Round Planting in Mild Climates
If you live in zones 8 through 10, you can plant kale and Swiss chard almost year-round.
In these warmer regions, the best time to plant kale and Swiss chard is from fall through early spring.
Summer heat will cause them to bolt, which means they’ll flower and turn bitter quickly.
So if you’re in a mild climate, focus on planting kale and Swiss chard in the cooler months for the best flavor.
You can also provide some afternoon shade during warmer spells to stretch your harvest longer.
How to Plant Kale and Swiss Chard for Great Germination
Once you’ve nailed down when to plant kale and Swiss chard, you need to get the seeds in the ground properly.
Both crops are easy to grow from seed, whether you sow directly or start them indoors.
Here are the key steps for successful planting of kale and Swiss chard.
1. Choose the Right Location and Soil
Kale and Swiss chard love full sun, but they’ll tolerate partial shade in warmer climates.
Pick a spot with well-draining soil that’s rich in organic matter.
Before you plant kale and Swiss chard, work in a few inches of compost or aged manure to boost nutrients.
Aim for a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0, which is slightly acidic to neutral.
Good drainage is critical because soggy roots can lead to rot and disease.
2. Sow Seeds at the Right Depth and Spacing
Plant kale and Swiss chard seeds about half an inch deep in the soil.
Space seeds about 1 inch apart in rows that are 18 to 24 inches apart.
Once seedlings have a few true leaves, you can thin them to about 8 to 12 inches apart.
Kale plants can get quite large, so give them room to spread out when you plant kale and Swiss chard.
Swiss chard is a bit more tolerant of crowding, but proper spacing improves air circulation.
3. Water Consistently After Planting
After you plant kale and Swiss chard, keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Seeds need moisture to germinate, so water gently every day if the weather is dry.
Once seedlings emerge, water deeply about once or twice a week depending on rainfall.
Mulching around your plants after planting kale and Swiss chard helps retain soil moisture.
A layer of straw or shredded leaves also keeps the roots cool during warmer spells.
4. Consider Starting Indoors for an Earlier Start
If you want a jump on the season, start seeds indoors about four to six weeks before your last frost.
Use seed trays filled with a quality potting mix and keep them in a sunny window or under grow lights.
Harden off the seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for about a week.
Then transplant them outside when it’s time to plant kale and Swiss chard in your garden.
This method works great for both spring and fall plantings of kale and Swiss chard.
Tips for Growing Kale and Swiss Chard Through the Seasons
Once you’ve answered when to plant kale and Swiss chard, the next step is keeping them healthy all season.
These greens are pretty low-maintenance, but a few tricks can make a big difference.
Here are some handy tips to maximize your harvest after planting kale and Swiss chard.
1. Fertilize Lightly After Planting
Kale and Swiss chard are heavy feeders, so they appreciate a little fertilizer a few weeks after planting.
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or side-dress with compost mid-season.
Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen, since that can make leaves tough and less flavorful.
A light feeding every four to six weeks keeps the growth steady and lush.
2. Protect from Extreme Heat
If you plant kale and Swiss chard in late spring, hot weather can cause stress and bitterness.
Use shade cloth or plant taller crops nearby to provide afternoon shade.
Regular watering during heatwaves helps keep the soil cool and prevents bolting.
If your plants do bolt, harvest the leaves immediately and start a new round of planting.
3. Harvest Leaf by Leaf for Long-Lasting Plants
Instead of pulling whole plants, harvest the outer leaves when they’re about 6 to 8 inches tall.
This encourages new growth from the center of the plant.
When to plant kale and Swiss chard matters less if you keep harvesting consistently.
You can even harvest kale after a frost for extra-sweet leaves.
Swiss chard will keep producing for quite a while if you pick the outer stalks regularly.
4. Overwintering for an Early Spring Crop
In milder climates, you can plant kale and Swiss chard in fall and overwinter them for spring harvest.
Mulch heavily around the base of the plants to protect roots from freezing.
Many varieties of kale are extremely cold-hardy and will survive through winter.
Swiss chard may die back in hard freezes but often regrows in spring.
This approach extends your planting of kale and Swiss chard to nearly year-round.
So, When to Plant Kale and Swiss Chard?
When to plant kale and Swiss chard comes down to early spring and late summer in most regions.
You can plant kale and Swiss chard as soon as the ground thaws in spring for a summer harvest.
Then plant kale and Swiss chard again in late summer for a delicious fall crop.
Succession planting and mild-climate strategies can give you greens almost all year long.
So get those seeds in the ground at the right time, and you’ll be rewarded with fresh, nutritious leaves.
Happy gardening, and enjoy every bite of your homegrown kale and Swiss chard.