Kale Growing Quick Tips

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.