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 S S              
        T T T          
      P P              

(Best months for growing Kale in Australia - sub-tropical 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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for Australia | for all countries
03 Feb 09, Lesley (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I live in Southern Highlands district of NSW and I would like to buy seeds to grow curly Kale. Can anyone help ?
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05 Feb 09, sharon matthews (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I bought kale online from the lost seed company. They have heaps of heritage varities. They are based in tassie i think.
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15 Mar 09, Evelyn (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Kale seed can be bought from Eden Seeds, Green Harvest or Diggers.
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26 Apr 09, Janet Campbell (Australia - temperate climate)
Is kale the pretty coloured border plant,seen growing in Canberra recently& Bega N.S.W,some years ago?
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29 May 09, Cheryl Prats (Australia - temperate climate)
hi - i would lovke to know where i can buy seedlings or this plant from. i live in Parramatta, west of Sydney. Thank you.
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02 Mar 11, Jewel (Australia - temperate climate)
I live in the Sydney Nthn Beaches area, and would also like to know where to buy kale seeds or seedlings, thank you.
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02 Jun 09, Barb (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi Cheryl, You can readily buy Kale seeds online - some of the good seed companies that carry Kale are: www.diggers.com.au; www.greenharvest.com.au, or www.edenseeds.com.au among others. You might find it at a garden shop, but buying seeds online if very easy, and I find them to be fresh good quality seeds.
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18 Jul 09, Joan (Australia - temperate climate)
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.
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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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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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