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 T          
      P P P            

(Best months for growing Kale in Australia - arid 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

09 Feb 15, Angela (Australia - tropical climate)
I live in Darwin when do you think would be the best time to plant
22 Nov 14, Bec (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
My curl kale plants have been in the ground for a month, they have grown well but are trying to flower already. I wanted them to last the summer. Should I pull them out?
17 Sep 14, Mỹthanh Nguyễn (Australia - tropical climate)
Where I can buy kale seeds ?
21 Sep 14, Jason Little (Australia - tropical climate)
I came across a real winner - check eBay store "items2buy4". Australian based; all my seeds have sprouted and the Red Kale is absolutely flying along.
06 Aug 14, sean (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
i have 10 acres in Gisborne, Victoria and want to utilise 5 acres for growing a crop for added income, is this possible do you think with kale? How much does it sell for?
31 Dec 14, Jay (Australia - arid climate)
Sean, have you tried growing different types of herbs and exotic veggies
01 Sep 14, MC (Australia - arid climate)
I tried to buy Kale everyday last week and it was always sold out, so maybe a winner crop for you
03 May 14, DARREN J (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi all to anyone growing kale for the first time the only thing II have found that will prevent you from having a healthy on going crop will be the dreaded white cabbage moth.. Igrow mine in drums with netting that way no other insects or pests will upset them. keeping pests of once and for all will prevent any need for any type of sprays or chemicals good luck
09 Dec 15, Dennis T (Australia - tropical climate)
Darren, is the white cabbage moth a tiny moth that leaves black specks all over the plant? Ive got few leaves left and the new growth disappears very quickly. I like the idea of the netting but need to rid myself of the pest first. Is eco-oil ( MITICIDE/INSECTICIDE) ok to use on them?
19 Apr 14, ray (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi my name is ray and im wondering is cavola nero kale a continous pick again plant.
Showing 31 - 40 of 110 comments

If you know which vegetable you want to grow, find its information via the Vegetables and Herbs tab. Make sure the top scroll bar is set to your climate zone and read the information below. Most plants have Compatible or Avoid lists.

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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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