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

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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.
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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?
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31 Dec 14, Jay (Australia - arid climate)
Sean, have you tried growing different types of herbs and exotic veggies
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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
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19 Jul 14, Faye (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
I'd love to grow my own kale but don't where to find them in Cape Town. Please advise. Thanks!
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02 Sep 14, Gerard (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
You can buy seeds at any reputable nursery.
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30 May 14, Ngwekazi, Anele (AZP) (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
Hi Where can i purchase Kale from in Gauteng Most urgent please
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10 May 15, Jeanette (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
Anele, I found Kale seeds at Pick and Pay in Howick in December last year. When I left in May, they were still selling them there (I live in Port Shepstone area) if you have not found any I will check the shops here.
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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
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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?
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