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Growing Kale, also Borecole

(Brassica oleracea sp.)

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
	S	P	P	P

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

S = Plant undercover in seed trays. P = Plant direct in garden where they are to grow.

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 8°C and 30°C. (Show °F/in)
Space plants: 40 - 50 cm apart
Harvest in 7-9 weeks.
Compatible with: Dwarf (bush) beans, beets, celery, cucumber, onions, marigold, nasturtium, rhubarb, aromatic herbs (sage, dill, camomile)
Avoid growing with: Climbing (pole) beans, tomato, peppers (chilli, capsicum), eggplant (aubergine), strawberry, mustard

Calvolo nero kale
Scotch kale

Green leafy plant. Kale is a good addition or substitute for cabbage varieties.

Very winter hardy. Flavour is improved by frost. Ornamental varieties are colourful, and edible. Rotate with other crops to avoid clubroot infection.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Kale

Strong flavoured and nutritious vegetable.
Wash well and chop finely then steam.
A tomato or cheese sauce will mask the flavour if too strong.

Your comments and tips

23 May 13, Claus Carstens (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate): Where can I buy borecole kale in SA?
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02 May 13, Suhaima (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate): Hi I live in KZN, Pietermaritzburg, could anyone tell me where to obtain Kale?
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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!
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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
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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?
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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.
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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?
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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
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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.
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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
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Post a question, comment or tip about Kale

Replying to:

Kale is great!! I live on a mountain nortwest of Berry on the South Coast of NSWand my husband has been growing Kale for a few years now. It is so versatile. I cook it in stir-frys, mix it in mashed potato with a small finely chopped onion, mix it in white sauce and melted cheese on top. etc. etc. The plants last for ages and we harvest from the ouside of the plants. Maybe we are just in the right place but it grows very well and there are so many varieties my favourite is the very curly leaf variety.

- Ros

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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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