Kale is a cool-season crop. Plant kale in early spring and late summer. Take these kale growing tips to the garden:
Sowing Kale
- Sow kale seeds in the garden 5 weeks before to 2 weeks before the last expected frost in spring for a summer crop.
- If you are in a very cold region you can start seeds indoors 5 weeks before setting plants in the garden.
- You can start seed in a protected seedbed or cold frame rather than indoors.
- For an autumn and winter crop, start seed 6-8 weeks before the first expected frost.
- Kale is very hardy and can tolerate temperatures as low as 14°F (-10°C) once established.
- Sow seeds ½” (13 mm) deep.
- Seedlings emerge in 5-7 days at 40-70°F (4-21°C).

Growing Kale
- Thin plants in the garden 12″ (30 cm) apart in rows 12-15” (30-38 cm) apart.
- Grow kale in compost-rich, well-drained soil, in full sun.
- Give kale regular water keeping the soil evenly moist.
- After plants have reached 6” (15 cm) tall, place straw around the stems to prevent direct contact with the soil.
- Avoid growing kale during the heat of summer; heat will turn the leaves bitter.
Harvesting Kale
- Kale will be ready for harvest 55-75 days from direct seeding.
- Harvest kale during the cool time of the year–from autumn through the winter to mid-spring in most regions.
- Clip individual leaves when they reach about 8” (20 cm) long.
- Pick individual outside leaves while still young and tender.
- Inside leaves are generally tastier than outside leaves.
- Cut the whole plant before it bolts in hot weather.
- Store kale in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks or blanch and freeze for up to 6 months.
Detailed tips at How to Grow Kale.
Comments