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

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26 Feb 16, ian grills (Australia - arid climate)
what kale is best for river land SA home gardens how many varieties are there
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08 Feb 16, Wilma (Australia - arid climate)
I put kale into a Bullet with carrots, nuts, bananas or anything i have handy. Love it! Just got given some kale seeds so will plant them next month.
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02 Feb 16, Regina Bosiu (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
I have read so much about the goodies of eating kale, I live in Free State Province {Fouriesburg} to be precise, I looked almost in shops like shoprite, spar, and where seeds are sold but I couldnot find the seeds, WHERE can Ifind them?
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17 Mar 16, Bee-Pie (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
www.livingseeds.com
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22 Dec 15, ABU (Australia - temperate climate)
EVERYTHING ABOUT KALE VARIETIES ETC,
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05 Dec 15, Ivy (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I love Tuscan kale (and that's coming from someone who isn't into salads). Apparently, Tuscan kale (and other varieties as well) is more tender and sweeter when grown in cooler climates or seasons. Seeing as you're in Townsville Qld it might be trickier to make them less bitter. I've read that you can make it sweeter by making sure the soil stays moist. Also, pick the outside/lower leaves when they're about six inches long instead of when they're fully grown. We've only ever harvested (either for juicing or eating raw) baby Tuscan kale and have yet to try to grow them to full maturity.
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12 Nov 15, Cameron Reed (Australia - temperate climate)
I love kale chips but not normal kale. Also kale won't grow in my garden!
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17 Sep 16, Daria (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Why do you think that is?
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30 Oct 15, Patrick Ishiguchi (Australia - tropical climate)
How do you keep kale from stop dying?? Do you just add more fertilizer onto the garden.
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06 Oct 15, diane thomson (Australia - tropical climate)
I started buying kale from supermarket curly type so that i could juice it. Not a drop of juice dry and bitter. I am raw vegan also tried to eat it but it was vile. Tried and persevered but no success. I then decided to grow it. Bought toscano seedlings and planted them. About 9 inches big, so tried a leaf and it is dry and bitter. What is the problem here? Can you advise. I live in Townsville Qld. Thanks Diane Thomson
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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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