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 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

21 May 15, Chelle (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I would really like to grow Cavalo Nero in South Africa. Anyone know where I could get seeds? Thanks in advance for any help.
16 Apr 15, Dorothy Marks (Australia - temperate climate)
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.
14 Apr 15, Mary (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
I found Kale (Choumoellier) seeds at Pick n Pay Blackheath.
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
09 Feb 15, Angela (Australia - tropical climate)
I live in Darwin when do you think would be the best time to plant
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.
22 Nov 14, Bec (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
My curl kale plants have been in the ground for a month, they have grown well but are trying to flower already. I wanted them to last the summer. Should I pull them out?
17 Sep 14, Mỹthanh Nguyễn (Australia - tropical climate)
Where I can buy kale seeds ?
21 Sep 14, Jason Little (Australia - tropical climate)
I came across a real winner - check eBay store "items2buy4". Australian based; all my seeds have sprouted and the Red Kale is absolutely flying along.
Showing 61 - 70 of 174 comments

You can buy seeds from livingseeds or from seeds for Africa.

- Paul D

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