Skip to site navigation

Important notice: by continuing to use our site you are deemed to have accepted our privacy and cookie policy

Join over 55,000 other growers

Sign up for the monthly newsletter

Kale

Advertise here
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Now playing | Growing brassicas

Loading the player..

Introduction

Often a neglected crop, but one that is increasing in popularity, kale tolerates cold weather better than most other brassicas and is relatively free of pests and diseases, although it should be netted against birds. It will also tolerate a lightly shaded position. Always pick the leaves when they are young and tender.

Sow

Sow thinly 13mm (1/2in) deep in a seed bed in rows 15cm (6in) apart from March to June.

Thin the seedlings to 7.5cm (3in) apart.

Kale can also be treated as a cut-and-come-again crop. Sow the seed where you want it to grow.

Grow

Transplant the young plants to their growing position when plants have five or six true leaves, setting the lowest leaves at ground level.

Water well the day before moving, firm in well after transplanting and 'puddle' in the plants with plenty of water. Space 45cm (18in) between plants.

Water well in dry weather and conserve soil moisture with a mulch.

A spring feed will improve results.

Protect the plants from birds by covering with netting or fleece.

Harvest

Start to remove young leaves from the top of the plant from October onwards.

Sideshoots are formed after the main crown is harvested and these are ready for use from February to May; pick shoots that are 10-15cm (4-6in) long and still young.

As a cut-and-come-again crop harvest when the plants are 5cm (2in) high. Further young leaves will be produced that can be cut again.

Buy kale

Buy kale from the RHS plant shop.

Buy now

Gardening calendar
JFMAMJJASOND
Sow
Harvest

Do Now

Sow thinly 13mm (1/2in) deep in a seed bed in rows 15cm (6in) apart

Water well in dry weather and conserve soil moisture with a mulch

Advertise here