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All About Kale - Urban Farmer's Guide


Home > Gardener's Guide > All About Kale

Introduction
All About Asparagus
Kale is a form of cabbage, Brassica oleracea, green or purple, in which the central leaves do not form a head like other varieties of cabbage. It is considered to be closer to wild cabbage than most domesticated forms. The species Brassica oleracea contains a wide array of vegetables including broccoli, cauliflower, collard greens, and brussels sprouts. Kale maintains flavor best when frozen. Kale is also great in salads.

Before Planting
Kale does not preform well in hot weather but doesn't mind cold temperatures. Depending on your environment kale can be sown in October, covered with straw during the winter and will give you great growth in the spring months. Choose an area with full sun and a soil pH of 6-7.

Planting
Plant kale as soon as the ground can be worked, very frost tolerant. Sow 1/4 to 1/2" inch deep, 1” inch apart in rows 18-30” inches apart. Thin seedlings to 8-12” apart when they are a few inches above ground. Kale germinates easily in cool or warm soil temperatures with even moisture.  Kale does great with other vegetable plants including bush beans, beets, celery, cucumbers, lettuce, onions and potatoes.

Watering
Water regularly, especially while young.

Fertilizer
Flavor of kale is improved when the plants grow quickly. Try adding additional feedings of liquid fertilizer during the growing season.

Days to Maturity
Most varieties are ready to harvest from 50-70 days of planting.

Harvesting
Kale leaves can be as soon as they are big enough for salads or as garnishes. Leaves are "cropped" leaving the bud to grow new leaves, or you can harvest the entire kale plant in one cutting. For a fall crop, wait until the kale plants are hit by their first frost to sweeten the flavor!

Pests & Diseases
Cabbage worms and loopers are a common pest on kale plants. The worms can be decreased with the use of row covers to block out all insects including root maggots, aphids and Diamondback moths. Maintaining a soil pH of 6.8 and higher will discourage club root.

Fungal and bacteria diseases on kale such as head rot and downy mildew can be prevented by allowing good air circulation and avoiding a mid August maturity when the air humidity is higher. Strong healthy kale growing in an organically rich soil will be better able to fight disease.

Tips
Try planting in shade if you want to grow in a warm climate. Use mulch to keep the soil cool.