Growing Kale in London
🇬🇧 Zone 7 Planting Guide · Oceanic / Marine west coast climate
Quick Answer: Growing Kale in London
Yes, you can grow Kale in London, GB! Plant during Jan, Feb, Mar, Sep, Oct for best results. London is in USDA Zone 7 with a Oceanic / Marine west coast climate, offering 270 frost-free days per year. The difficulty level is medium, and Kale takes 55-75 days to harvest. Kale needs full sun to partial shade and regular watering.
Climate Match Analysis
London's temperatures (2°C to 23°C) are within the tolerable range for Kale (-10°C to 25°C), though not always in the optimal zone (5°C to 20°C). Plant during recommended months for best results.
London Climate Data
Kale Planting Calendar for London
Green months show the best time to plant Kale in London
Kale Growing Requirements
Sunlight
Full Sun to Partial Shade
2-4 hours direct sunlight
Water
Regular
Consistent moisture, 1-2 inches/week
Days to Harvest
55-75
From planting to first harvest
Difficulty
Some experience helpful
💡 Growing Tips for Kale
One of the hardiest garden crops. Can overwinter in many climates with mulch. Can be planted 2-3 weeks before the last expected frost, giving it a head start on the growing season. Aim for about 2.5 cm of water per week, adjusting for rainfall. Organic mulch around the base helps maintain even moisture.
Frost tolerance: Kale is frost tolerant — you can plant earlier in spring.
Companion Plants for Kale
Find out which plants grow best alongside Kale — and which to keep apart
Grow Kale Indoors
No garden? Learn how to grow Kale indoors with our complete guide
How to Grow Kale in London
London, GB is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7 with a Oceanic / Marine west coast climate (Köppen Cfb). With winter lows of 2°C and summer highs of 23°C, the growing season spans approximately 270 frost-free days. Kale grows well with some gardening knowledge in this climate.
Kale thrives in temperatures between 5°C and 20°C, requiring full sun to partial shade and regular watering. In London, the best months to plant Kale are January, February, March, September, October. Since Kale can tolerate frost, you have flexibility to plant earlier in the season or extend into cooler months. Expect to harvest in approximately 55-75 days after planting.
With 602mm of annual rainfall, London provides moderate natural moisture. You'll likely need to supplement with regular watering, especially during the growing season.
Other Plants That Grow in London
More plants you can grow alongside Kale in London
Keep Exploring
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I grow kale in London?
Yes! Kale can be successfully grown in London, GB. London is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7 with a Oceanic / Marine west coast climate. The difficulty level for growing Kale here is rated "medium". The best months to plant are January, February, March, September, October.
When should I plant kale in London?
In London, the recommended planting months for Kale are January, February, March, September, October. London has 270 frost-free days per year, with winter lows of 2°C and summer highs of 23°C. Kale is frost tolerant, giving you more flexibility with planting dates.
How long does kale take to grow in London?
Kale typically takes 55-75 days from planting to harvest. In London's Oceanic / Marine west coast climate with 270 frost-free days, you have plenty of time to grow Kale to maturity. One of the hardiest garden crops. Can overwinter in many climates with mulch. Can be planted 2-3 weeks before the last expected frost, giving it a head start on the growing season. Aim for about 2.5 cm of water per week, adjusting for rainfall. Organic mulch around the base helps maintain even moisture.
Can I grow kale indoors in London?
Kale can potentially be grown indoors in London with proper conditions. It requires full sun to partial shade (2-4 hours of indirect light). Indoor growing extends your season beyond the Jan, Feb, Mar, Sep, Oct outdoor planting window. Use containers with good drainage and regular watering.
What month do I plant kale in London?
Plant Kale in London during January, February, March, September, October. These are the optimal months based on London's USDA Zone 7 climate, 270 frost-free days, and temperature range of 2°C to 23°C.
Is kale hard to grow in London?
Kale is rated "medium" to grow in London. Some gardening experience is helpful. Pay attention to watering schedules and planting timing. The climate match for Kale in London is Good.
What grows well with kale in London?
In London, you can grow many companion plants alongside Kale. Good options from the same planting window include Tomato, Basil, Lettuce, Carrot and 2 more. These plants share similar planting months and thrive in London's Zone 7 climate.
Does kale need full sun in London?
Kale requires full sun to partial shade. Kale tolerates lower light. In London, a spot with filtered or indirect light for 2-4 hours works well.