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              
          T T          

(Best months for growing Kale in Australia - tropical regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • 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 46°F and 86°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 20 - 39 inches 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

11 Aug 09, Geoff (Australia - temperate climate)
www.theitaliangardener.com.au has Cavolo Nero or Tuscan black kale inported from Italy
29 Jul 09, Cath (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I live in an apartment and plan to grow kale on my balcony - any tips on how to do this effectively? Also, does anyone know where I could buy Kale leaves (dried or fresh) please? Thanks!
18 Jul 09, Joan (Australia - temperate climate)
I purchased Kale - Nero de Toscano from Eden seeds, they were a bit spasmodic in germinating but really I only needed two or three plants to keep me going. I often use it with silverbeet and chard to make a "spinach" and ricotta pie, very yummy. I have since purchased new seeds from The Italian Gardener website so will try them soon.
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.
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.
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?
15 Mar 09, Evelyn (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Kale seed can be bought from Eden Seeds, Green Harvest or Diggers.
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.
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 ?
Showing 91 - 100 of 110 comments

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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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