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 S              
        T T T          
      P P              

(Best months for growing Kale in Australia - sub-tropical 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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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
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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?
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17 Aug 08, Maureen (Australia - temperate climate)
Where can I buy Kale seeds, which the portuguese use in making "Caldo Verde"
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26 Jul 08, farmer john (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
My wife grows Kale as well here in the Southwestof WA and recently bought some several varieties of Kale from EDEN SEEDS . THought that might help
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02 Jan 13, Jeanette (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Hi i am in Margaret River wa and would like to know if you have tried the ornamental mauve one
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19 Jul 08, Ros (Australia - temperate climate)
Kale is great!! I live on a mountain nortwest of Berry on the South Coast of NSWand my husband has been growing Kale for a few years now. It is so versatile. I cook it in stir-frys, mix it in mashed potato with a small finely chopped onion, mix it in white sauce and melted cheese on top. etc. etc. The plants last for ages and we harvest from the ouside of the plants. Maybe we are just in the right place but it grows very well and there are so many varieties my favourite is the very curly leaf variety.
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30 Jun 08, Sandra Murray (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Cooking show on ABC presenter used kale in a recipe may be available online. Pete the gardener reckons its the main reason he is so healthy and he is going on 80plus.
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06 May 08, carolyn (Australia - temperate climate)
Can I plant Kale seeds now (and thru June) in a little hot house?
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25 Dec 07, jacki (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Even though I currently reside in Brisbane, I would like to know where I can purchase some kale seeds for planting. The temps here may not be cold enough for kale, but I would like to give it a go because it is such a nutritious vegetable. Thanks Jacki
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Showing 101 - 109 of 109 comments
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It is a biennial plant - could live for a few years - a good outcome is 3 years. It is a cool weather crop and can handle some frost. Tastes a bit bitter in the summer - drier and warmer. My rule is once a plant has produced a good crop and the quantity and quality has fallen away time to plough out. Put something else in that will produce a good supply.

- Mike

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