Brassica oleracea var. acephala

Kale is a highly versatile vegetable that flourishes in cooler temperatures, making it perfect for cultivation during the spring and fall seasons. Its colorful leaves and unique texture not only add to its appeal but also make it a delicious and nutritious option for a variety of dishes.

The plant can thrive in summer as well, however it may require some shade during the peak of the afternoon's heat.

Kale, a member of the Brassicaceae family, is known as a "superfood" due to its abundance of antioxidants, fiber, minerals, and vitamins, while also being low in calories. This makes it a powerhouse choice for maintaining a healthy diet.

Baby leaves are incredibly versatile in the kitchen, offering a light sweetness and peppery taste with hints of earthiness or grassiness. They are commonly used in salads, sandwiches, smoothies, and wraps, and can also add a pop of color as a garnish.

Discover the benefits of adding nutrient-rich kale to your garden this year. Learn the simple and effective gardening steps to grow this versatile green from an expert's perspective.

Kale is a biennial plant that initially grows stems and foliage during the first year and then produces flowers and seeds during the second growing season.

A close cousin to brussels sprouts, cabbage, collard greens, and mustard, the variety name acephala is Latin for “without a head,” in reference to the loose-leaf growth habit.

The leaves are borne in whorls on sturdy stalks up to 36 inches tall, depending on the variety.

Curl Kale

The tightly ruffled leaves of the curly-leafed varieties, also referred to as borecole, cole, kail, and Scotch kale, can range in colors from blue green to bright green, with a hint of red. These types offer an earthy and slightly peppery flavor, which can become bitter with age. Additionally, these varieties are known for their ability to withstand cold temperatures.

 

Lacinato

Russian Kale

The Russian/flat-leafed group is resilient in harsh winters. The leaves are broad, flat, and have toothed borders resembling arugula. They have a delicate, mildly sweet taste with a hint of pepper.

How to Sow

Kale seeds can be planted in the garden during early spring to mid or late summer for harvesting from late spring to winter.

For areas with mild winters and scorching summers, it is recommended to plant during the autumn to early spring season to avoid extreme heat. Kale is easy to transplant, so alternatively, you can start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost and move them outside once the soil has warmed up. On average, seeds will sprout within 7-10 days.

Direct Sowing

For optimal spring and summer harvests, plant seeds directly in early spring 4-6 weeks before the last frost date. For a consistent harvest throughout the season, regularly plant every 14 days until the end of May.

In areas with very hot summers, delay planting until temperatures cool off and consistently stay below 75°F during the day.

1. Work in an all-purpose, slow-release fertilizer into the top four to five inches of soil, using one and a half cups per 25 feet of row, or about one tablespoon per plant. A balanced fertilizer formula such as 5-5-5 works well.
2. Rake the soil level then pat down firmly.
3. Sow seeds in rows to a depth of a quarter to half an inch.
4. Water gently to moisten the soil, keeping it lightly moist but not wet. 

Once your plant reaches six inches in height, it is time to thin them out and space them appropriately, anywhere between six and 20 inches, depending on the specific variety.

If you have short summers or simply want an early crop, start seeds indoors for transplanting out.

Indoor Sowing

For a head start on early crops, start seeds indoors four to six weeks prior to your last frost date.

Here’s how:

1. Fill a tray with good-quality starter soil and moisten lightly.
2. Sow seeds in rows a quarter to half an inch deep.
3. Place trays on a warm, bright windowsill or under grow lights.
4. Two weeks after germination, thin the seedlings to three inches apart.
5. When seedlings have two sets of true leaves, transplant into containers or garden beds after all danger of frost has passed.

And starting seeds indoors for winter crops is also a good idea if your summers are very hot – transplant outdoors when daytime temperatures cool to under 75°F.

How to Grow

Kale is a resilient and rapidly growing plant that is highly manageable to grow. It also adapts well to container cultivation.

Let’s take a look at the details:

Climate

Kale likes a cool climate and prefers growing temperatures between 55 and 75°F, with a sweet spot of 60 to 70°F.

Plants can produce good crops in warm, but not super hot summer temperatures.

Cold weather also intensifies colors, with the winter-hardy, flat leaf types taking on beautiful hues of plum, purple, scarlet, and dark, inky green.