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

19 Jun 15, bailey james wright (Australia - temperate climate)
KALE IS THE BESTTTTTT!!!!!!!!!!!! FROM BAILEY 19 june 2015
21 May 15, Chelle (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I would really like to grow Cavalo Nero in South Africa. Anyone know where I could get seeds? Thanks in advance for any help.
16 Apr 15, Dorothy Marks (Australia - temperate climate)
When growing Black Russian Kale hammer in a stout tall stake and tie it on with panty hose. If you don't they fall over.
14 Apr 15, Mary (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
I found Kale (Choumoellier) seeds at Pick n Pay Blackheath.
23 Feb 15, Sadie (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Where can I purchase kale. Alternatively can I grow it at home? I appear to have very good soil, my tomato, chilly mint, sweet basil and rosemary plants are really growing well considering that I know absolutely nothing about gardening.
24 Feb 15, Sadiwe (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hi, managed to purchase fresh Kale at a Vegetable store close to my home Thank you
09 Feb 15, Angela (Australia - tropical climate)
I live in Darwin when do you think would be the best time to plant
27 Jan 15, Thabile (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I am so excited, I found seeds at my local builders' warehouse and sowed them on Saturday.
22 Nov 14, Bec (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
My curl kale plants have been in the ground for a month, they have grown well but are trying to flower already. I wanted them to last the summer. Should I pull them out?
17 Sep 14, Mỹthanh Nguyễn (Australia - tropical climate)
Where I can buy kale seeds ?
Showing 61 - 70 of 175 comments

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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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