Growing Kale, also Borecole

Brassica oleracea sp. : Brassicaceae / the mustard or cabbage family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
  S                    
    T T T              
    P P P              

(Best months for growing Kale in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • P = Sow seed
  • Easy to grow. Grow in seed trays, and plant out in 4-6 weeks. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 46°F and 86°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 20 - 39 inches apart
  • Harvest in 7-10 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Dwarf (bush) beans, beets, celery, cucumber, onions, marigold, nasturtium, rhubarb, aromatic herbs (sage, dill, camomile)
  • Avoid growing close to: Climbing (pole) beans, tomato, peppers (chilli, capsicum), eggplant (aubergine), strawberry, mustard

Your comments and tips

15 Jun 13, Lesley (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hi Suhaima - I live in the Midlands and found Kale at the Rotunda nursery in Cedara Road (Hilton). Hope this helps?
19 Apr 13, Sam (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Kale is available from Livingseeds which is a mail order organic seed company based in Jo'burg. Google them. I am busy growing my first crop of Tuscan Kale for winter. Yay!
17 May 13, (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Beware mouse birds with Kale, I had the lovely Italian black kale seed which grew beautifully under plastic bottles (Freezing here at Notties) Mouse birds stripped the lat withing hours of removing the bottles GRRR! Jenny
18 Apr 13, Sue Harris (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi I live in Belize which isn't given as a country option. Anyone had experience growing kale in the Caribbean? When is the best time to plant?
09 May 13, Robbie (Australia - temperate climate)
Sue, Kale will germinate and grow in the cooler months in Sydney. You might only have a short window of opportunity where you are. It is in the Brassica family so if you can grow cabbage and cauliflower give it a go. There are different varieties to choose from.
13 Apr 13, Tineke (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Can anybody tell me where to find curly kale (boerenkool) plants or seeds in the newcastle nsw area?
16 Jun 13, John (Australia - temperate climate)
I buy my kale seeds from bunnings
28 Mar 13, ExpatDiva (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
I too live in Port Elizabeth and am trying to find Kale. If you find any could you please share your find. Thank you
17 May 13, Jenny (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Sought After Seedlings www.soughtafterseedlings.co.za has a great variety of seeds including Kale quite pricey but great quality seed.
15 Mar 13, (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Hi ,I would like to buy one asap and I tried all leading stores in Port Elizabeth.They do not know please tell me how to get it
Showing 111 - 120 of 175 comments

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