Virginia · Garden vegetables

Kale season in Virginia

Typically mid-September to mid-May, with peak mid-October through late March.

Hatched chalk = early and late shoulders; solid = peak.

A traditional overwintered greens crop; Hampton Roads truck farms cut all winter.

At a glance

Early

From mid-September — first pickings, lighter supply, best prices come later.

Peak

mid-October through late March — full stalls, full flavor. This is the stretch to plan around.

Late

Through mid-May — quantity for preserving, and the stalls start dealing.

Season length

about 34 weeks end to end, shoulders included.

Kale

Look: Firm, deeply colored leaves with crisp edges — skip bunches with yellowing or ragged holes.
Feel: Leaves feel thick and springy and the stems snap instead of bending.
Smell: Mild and cabbage-sweet; a strong sulfur whiff means it has sat too long.
Tip: Shop after the first hard frost — cold snaps turn kale noticeably sweeter.
Keeps: Fridge in a bag, up to a week.

Chasing the season?

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Frequently asked questions

When is kale season in Virginia?

In Virginia, the kale season typically runs mid-September to mid-May, with peak availability mid-October through late March. Exact weeks shift a little with each year's weather.

Can I pick my own kale in Virginia?

Mostly a market-table crop; a few CSA farms let members cut their own. The best market weeks are mid-October through late March.

How long does kale season last in Virginia?

about 34 weeks end to end — mid-September to mid-May. The early and late shoulders are real but lighter; the solid stretch of chalk on the band is the sure bet.