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 New Zealand - cool/mountain 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

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!
18 Feb 13, Gloria Ojulari Sule (United Kingdom - cool/temperate climate)
Hi I am in South London UK, and really want to grown this fantastic veg. I hear it is possible to grow here. Do you know how I can get some seeds please??
27 Jan 13, (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
where in cape town south africa can i find kale ? kind regards
01 Jan 13, ivan tho (Australia - temperate climate)
Where can I purchase kale seeds or seedlings? I am living in Bendigo, Victoria
04 Jan 13, Geoff (Australia - temperate climate)
Diggers seeds Geoff
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.
Showing 121 - 130 of 174 comments

When growing Black Russian Kale hammer in a stout tall stake and tie it on with panty hose. If you don't they fall over.

- Dorothy Marks

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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. GardenGrow 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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