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

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?
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.
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!
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
02 May 13, Suhaima (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
Hi I live in KZN, Pietermaritzburg, could anyone tell me where to obtain Kale?
15 Jun 13, Lesley (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hi Suhaima - I live in the Midlands and found Kale at the Rotunda nursery in Cedara Road (Hilton). Hope this helps?
23 May 13, Claus Carstens (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Where can I buy borecole kale in SA?
12 Jun 13, Barb (Australia - temperate climate)
Bendigo Health Foods has kale seeds, seedlings and a variety of bunches for sale.
11 Jul 13, victoria (Australia - arid climate)
Hi why are kale seeds sprayed with poison - can i get organic ones? should i take off the lower kale branches the hit the ground - will it encourage growth?
21 Jul 13, venetia (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Hi I'm also in Pmb and would love some Kale please advise me as to where I can purchase some. Thanx.
Showing 61 - 70 of 174 comments

www.theitaliangardener.com.au has Cavolo Nero or Tuscan black kale inported from Italy

- Geoff

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