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

06 Aug 14, sean (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
i have 10 acres in Gisborne, Victoria and want to utilise 5 acres for growing a crop for added income, is this possible do you think with kale? How much does it sell for?
31 Dec 14, Jay (Australia - arid climate)
Sean, have you tried growing different types of herbs and exotic veggies
01 Sep 14, MC (Australia - arid climate)
I tried to buy Kale everyday last week and it was always sold out, so maybe a winner crop for you
19 Jul 14, Faye (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
I'd love to grow my own kale but don't where to find them in Cape Town. Please advise. Thanks!
02 Sep 14, Gerard (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
You can buy seeds at any reputable nursery.
30 May 14, Ngwekazi, Anele (AZP) (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
Hi Where can i purchase Kale from in Gauteng Most urgent please
10 May 15, Jeanette (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
Anele, I found Kale seeds at Pick and Pay in Howick in December last year. When I left in May, they were still selling them there (I live in Port Shepstone area) if you have not found any I will check the shops here.
03 May 14, DARREN J (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi all to anyone growing kale for the first time the only thing II have found that will prevent you from having a healthy on going crop will be the dreaded white cabbage moth.. Igrow mine in drums with netting that way no other insects or pests will upset them. keeping pests of once and for all will prevent any need for any type of sprays or chemicals good luck
09 Dec 15, Dennis T (Australia - tropical climate)
Darren, is the white cabbage moth a tiny moth that leaves black specks all over the plant? Ive got few leaves left and the new growth disappears very quickly. I like the idea of the netting but need to rid myself of the pest first. Is eco-oil ( MITICIDE/INSECTICIDE) ok to use on them?
19 Apr 14, ray (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi my name is ray and im wondering is cavola nero kale a continous pick again plant.
Showing 71 - 80 of 174 comments

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

- Paul D

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put GardenGrow in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use GardenGrow and subscribe to the free GardenGrow planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About GardenGrow | Contact us | Privacy Policy

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.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.