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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 46°F and 86°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 16 - 20 inches 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

Your comments and tips

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10 Mar 10, aukje van Vark (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
(Dutch) Kale or boerekool, needs a night of below zero before eating. Normally this happens on the fields, but you can also achieve this by freezing it after harvest. It gets the bitterness out, and makes it a touch sweeter. We always eat it mashed with potatoes, and then add fried bacon and sausages.
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27 Jan 10, Evelyn (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I grew some Tuscan Black Kale in a wine barrel last winter and it was in part-shade with lots of morning sun. Didn't seem to hurt it and we had a good crop. Mario I haven't see kale in the supermarkets (in Canberra) as yet but others may have.
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22 Aug 11, Sid Pearson (Australia - temperate climate)
Woolworth Mawson has some
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08 Dec 09, Mario Mariani (Australia - temperate climate)
Does Kale grow wild as an introduced plant throughout the Temperate zone? Is it sold in markets and supermarkets in Australia?
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26 Jul 10, Mel (Australia - temperate climate)
Mario, i just saw established kale seedlings at bunnings for under $3. I am sure that being the big corporate being they are, they will have kale in most of their stores :) I am wondering whether it is a good thing to plant now though? (Late july)
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18 Aug 09, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Paea, you can buy kale seeds online from www. kingsseeds.co.nz or some garden shops sell their seeds.
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18 Aug 09, Paea Haraki (New Zealand - temperate climate)
can u tell me where can i buy kale from in new zealand or seeds
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13 Aug 09, David (Australia - temperate climate)
Bunnings (NSW) has Cavelo Nero / Tuscan Cabbage seedlings for sale
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11 Aug 09, Geoff (Australia - temperate climate)
www.theitaliangardener.com.au has Cavolo Nero or Tuscan black kale inported from Italy
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29 Jul 09, Cath (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I live in an apartment and plan to grow kale on my balcony - any tips on how to do this effectively? Also, does anyone know where I could buy Kale leaves (dried or fresh) please? Thanks!
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Post a question, comment or tip about Kale

Jacki, I have bought Kale seeds from http://www.newgipps.com.au/category.asp?id=2

- John


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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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