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

24 Sep 08, Phillip Wheatley (Australia - temperate climate)
I grew Kale (seeds from Green Harvest Maleny Qld) with reasonable results - my wife bought some ornamental Kale plants which eventually went to seed which I collected and grew. Some look a lot like broccoli (they are related)even with small heads forming. Anyone else have this happen?
12 Oct 08, Carrol Hale (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
My Tuscan Black Kale seeds came from The Diggers Club - www.diggers.com.au. Planted in seedling tray 16th Sep and planted out into the garden 12th Oct. I'm using them as an ornamental between two box hedges as well as for the kitchen - watch this space
24 Oct 08, Phillip Wheatley (Australia - temperate climate)
Re comment of 24 Sep 08 - the heads that formed tasted just like broccoli - usefull plants edible leaves and heads that just kept coming.
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 ?
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.
15 Mar 09, Evelyn (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Kale seed can be bought from Eden Seeds, Green Harvest or Diggers.
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?
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.
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.
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.
Showing 11 - 20 of 174 comments

Is kale the pretty coloured border plant,seen growing in Canberra recently& Bega N.S.W,some years ago?

- Janet Campbell

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

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.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.