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 8°C and 30°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 50 - 100 cm 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

20 Apr 16, Gerry C (Australia - temperate climate)
If you are a non chemical person like me, you can spray with a garlic/chilli mix - seems to work quite well. Or if less precious than I am, a white oil and garlic spray is even more effective. Just putting it out there for those who think kale is too hard to grow without chemicals. Cabbage on the other hand - insects seem to beat me every time :)
21 May 12, Mario latorre (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
i have kale plants around 4 inches high at bthe moment but they dont seem to be growin any further do i need to feed them and what do you sugest ?
24 Jun 12, Barry Sterling (Australia - tropical climate)
Can I grow Kale in Townsville and where can i buy the seeds, or can I buy it for delivery in Townsville. thank you
05 Oct 12, Jen (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
My Black Kale, sadley comng to an end, and in full flower, these also grew from the last self seeded plants, but I am now missing the next weeks plants, I am curious does anybody know how long it takes before these seeds grow a new plant?? As in will it be this season or much later?? Thanks
21 Oct 12, Bren (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Over the winter & spring I have had a successful crop of kale growing in polystyrene boxes as well as in the garden in Brisbane. Some health food outlets have fresh kale leaves. Keep an eye out for cabbage moths they also love them.
01 Jan 13, ivan tho (Australia - temperate climate)
Where can I purchase kale seeds or seedlings? I am living in Bendigo, Victoria
04 Jan 13, Geoff (Australia - temperate climate)
Diggers seeds Geoff
27 Jan 13, (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
where in cape town south africa can i find kale ? kind regards
18 Feb 13, Gloria Ojulari Sule (United Kingdom - cool/temperate climate)
Hi I am in South London UK, and really want to grown this fantastic veg. I hear it is possible to grow here. Do you know how I can get some seeds please??
19 Feb 13, Vickie (Australia - temperate climate)
I live in liverpool Sydney Australia . Where can I buy kale or seeds for growing it myself . I need to know its a superfood and we need it for out healthy cooking and juicing .... Someone please help me please
Showing 41 - 50 of 174 comments

I purchased Kale - Nero de Toscano from Eden seeds, they were a bit spasmodic in germinating but really I only needed two or three plants to keep me going. I often use it with silverbeet and chard to make a "spinach" and ricotta pie, very yummy. I have since purchased new seeds from The Italian Gardener website so will try them soon.

- Joan

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