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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for Australia | for all countries
01 Jan 13, ivan tho (Australia - temperate climate)
Where can I purchase kale seeds or seedlings? I am living in Bendigo, Victoria
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04 Jan 13, Geoff (Australia - temperate climate)
Diggers seeds Geoff
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21 Oct 12, Bren (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Over the winter & spring I have had a successful crop of kale growing in polystyrene boxes as well as in the garden in Brisbane. Some health food outlets have fresh kale leaves. Keep an eye out for cabbage moths they also love them.
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05 Oct 12, Jen (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
My Black Kale, sadley comng to an end, and in full flower, these also grew from the last self seeded plants, but I am now missing the next weeks plants, I am curious does anybody know how long it takes before these seeds grow a new plant?? As in will it be this season or much later?? Thanks
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24 Jun 12, Barry Sterling (Australia - tropical climate)
Can I grow Kale in Townsville and where can i buy the seeds, or can I buy it for delivery in Townsville. thank you
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21 May 12, Mario latorre (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
i have kale plants around 4 inches high at bthe moment but they dont seem to be growin any further do i need to feed them and what do you sugest ?
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14 May 12, Roger (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I live West of Brisbane, East of Toowoomba. I plant kale seed around May/June. This to get them up and running before the bug season. By September/October they are finished off by bugs (I don't spray). Also as previously posted, they do like a cold snap, we don't get heavy frost, but kale loves a frost. A 'cut and come again' veggie, how can you say no. At the moment I am using dwarf curly kale. Looks just like the real thing to me.
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20 Apr 16, Gerry C (Australia - temperate climate)
If you are a non chemical person like me, you can spray with a garlic/chilli mix - seems to work quite well. Or if less precious than I am, a white oil and garlic spray is even more effective. Just putting it out there for those who think kale is too hard to grow without chemicals. Cabbage on the other hand - insects seem to beat me every time :)
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19 Mar 12, Rob (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Kale can be planted at any time of the year in Brisbane - you can get any of the seed varieties from any garden shops. Try a few varieties - use lots of compost and water regularly. Eat the young leaves chopped in salads, grind the old leaves for juice or feed to chooks. My chooks prefer kale leaves to any other offerings! Kale is high in vitamins especially A and is perfect with oil, vinegar and touch of salt/pepper. The diamond back cabbage moth gives it a hammering and pick any chewed leaves immediately and feed to chooks or dispose. Spray with white oil or do what i do and put a mozzie net over the patch! Kales will last you at least 6-8 mths with a little attention! Our number plant in our garden!
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27 Oct 11, sandra wangnet (Australia - tropical climate)
please tell me where can I buy kale and kale seeds ? I live in Sydney, I have no idea what kale looks like or taste like.
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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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