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 T          
      P P P            

(Best months for growing Kale in Australia - 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 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

18 Apr 13, Sue Harris (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi I live in Belize which isn't given as a country option. Anyone had experience growing kale in the Caribbean? When is the best time to plant?
09 May 13, Robbie (Australia - temperate climate)
Sue, Kale will germinate and grow in the cooler months in Sydney. You might only have a short window of opportunity where you are. It is in the Brassica family so if you can grow cabbage and cauliflower give it a go. There are different varieties to choose from.
13 Apr 13, Tineke (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Can anybody tell me where to find curly kale (boerenkool) plants or seeds in the newcastle nsw area?
16 Jun 13, John (Australia - temperate climate)
I buy my kale seeds from bunnings
19 Feb 13, Vickie (Australia - temperate climate)
I live in liverpool Sydney Australia . Where can I buy kale or seeds for growing it myself . I need to know its a superfood and we need it for out healthy cooking and juicing .... Someone please help me please
31 Aug 13, Carolyn (Australia - temperate climate)
I live in Padstow, Green Harvest have an online order for all sorts of unusual plants and seeds. Flower Power at Moorebank are also good source for seeds and sometimes plants they have some Kale and Cavolo Nero at the moment. If you want to buy leaves ready to cook, the Farmers Markets on Saturday morning at Warwick Farm racecourse is a great place and has many stalls with various products but get there early before 10.00am.
30 Mar 13, Emily (Australia - temperate climate)
Diggers online sell kale seeds
27 Feb 13, (Australia - temperate climate)
I'm in the inner city here and purchased kale seeds on e-bay as well... has grown incredibly well !! Get some Vicky ...it's good stuff !!
27 Feb 13, Robbie (Australia - temperate climate)
Try Eden Seeds.
26 Feb 13, Emma (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Vickie, I've actually been buying vegetable seeds off Ebay. There are lots of reputatable seed providers on there and I've been very happy about the viability of the seeds that I've purchased so far. I I actually bought Red Russian Kale seeds on Sunday night and I'm eagerly waiting to receive them! Have fun!
Showing 61 - 70 of 110 comments

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.

- Sandra Murray

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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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