Introduction
- Kale is a hardy, versatile leafy green that thrives in our cool-season climate. Beloved for its nutrient density and ability to withstand frost, kale is one of the most reliable crops to grow here from fall through spring. From curly Scotch types to tender Lacinato (Dinosaur) kale, it’s a staple in both ornamental and edible gardens—and with proper care, it can provide harvests for many months.
Quick Facts
- Type: Cool-season biennial, often grown as an annual
- Height: 12–36 inches, depending on variety
- Harvest Season: Fall, winter, and spring
- Sun Requirements: Full sun in cool months; partial afternoon shade in spring
- Soil Type: Rich, well-draining soil with plenty of compost
- Water Needs: Consistent, moderate watering; mulch to keep soil cool and moist
Planting Guide
When to Plant
- Direct seed or transplant:
- Fall crop: August–October (best season for strong plants and fewer pests)
- Winter crop: November–January (use row covers for extra protection in cold snaps)
- Spring crop: February–March
- Avoid planting in summer—heat causes stress and attracts pests.
Where to Plant
- Plant in full sun for fall/winter crops.
- Provide afternoon shade in spring to delay bolting.
- Kale works well in raised beds and containers at least 12″ deep.
How to Plant
- Seeds: Sow ¼–½ inch deep, 1 inch apart. Thin to 12–18 inches between plants.
- Transplants: Space 12–18 inches apart in rows 18–24 inches apart.
- Soil prep: Enrich with compost before planting—kale is a heavy feeder.
- Watering: Keep soil evenly moist during germination (5–10 days).
Care & Maintenance
- Watering: Provide consistent water to encourage sweet, tender leaves.
- Fertilizing: Side-dress with compost or apply an organic nitrogen fertilizer every 4–6 weeks.
- Frost: Leaves become sweeter after light frost.
- Pests & diseases: Aphids, cabbage loopers, and whiteflies are common here. Use row covers on young plants, encourage beneficial insects, or spray with insecticidal soap/neem if needed.
- Bolting: As days lengthen and temperatures rise, kale will eventually flower; harvest leaves until then.
Harvesting
- Begin harvesting outer leaves when they are 6–8 inches long, leaving the central bud to keep producing.
- Regular harvesting encourages new growth and prolongs the season.
- Younger leaves are more tender and milder in flavor, while mature leaves are hearty and best cooked.
Lifecycle & Reseeding
- Kale is a biennial—flowering and setting seed in its second year.
- Overwintered plants may bolt in late spring; you can collect seeds or allow them to self-sow.
Wildlife & Companion Benefits
- Flowers are highly attractive to bees and pollinators if allowed to bloom.
- Good companion for onions, garlic, and beets.
- Avoid planting near other brassicas year after year to reduce soil born pests and diseases.
Extra Tips
- For best flavor, grow kale through the cool season; late fall plantings are often the sweetest.
- Lacinato (Dinosaur) kale is particularly well-adapted here—heat tolerant enough for spring and hardy for winter.
- Aphids are a common problem in late spring—harvest plants early if infestations get heavy.
- Mulch around the base to keep soil cool and reduce evaporation.
Where to Get Seeds
