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            
    P                  

(Best months for growing Kale in South Africa - Semi-arid 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 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

23 Feb 15, Sadie (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Where can I purchase kale. Alternatively can I grow it at home? I appear to have very good soil, my tomato, chilly mint, sweet basil and rosemary plants are really growing well considering that I know absolutely nothing about gardening.
24 Feb 15, Sadiwe (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hi, managed to purchase fresh Kale at a Vegetable store close to my home Thank you
27 Jan 15, Thabile (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I am so excited, I found seeds at my local builders' warehouse and sowed them on Saturday.
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!
02 Sep 14, Gerard (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
You can buy seeds at any reputable nursery.
30 May 14, Ngwekazi, Anele (AZP) (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
Hi Where can i purchase Kale from in Gauteng Most urgent please
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.
26 Jan 14, Dehlia Esterhuizen (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
Organic/fresh/excellent quality kale still grown here in the Swartland under shade net
20 Aug 13, Courage (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Where can I buy kale (borehole) seedlings in gauteng sandton area in south africa
14 Mar 14, jevon (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
I got mine from Seeds For Africa.It was delivered fast and efficiently.
Showing 21 - 30 of 44 comments

Where can I get kale seeds from ? Thanks, Karen

- karen Tardieu

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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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