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                    
    T T T              
    P P P              

(Best months for growing Kale in USA - Zone 5a 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

17 Feb 14, Robbie (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
David. Start the seeds in seed trays in March. Plant them in the Garden in April/ May. They take a while till they are ready to harvest Spring and Summer. The grubs love them.
22 Nov 13, Lalita (Australia - temperate climate)
I had planted Kale seedlings in my vegetable garden 2 months ago,they have been growing quite slowly until recently. For last 2 days couple of leaves have been beaten and covered with sticky stuff,similar to my cabbage plant leaves closely. I have used pepper,garlic and soap spray today. any ideas what it could be and how dangerous is it? Thanks in advance
29 Dec 13, Prakash (Australia - temperate climate)
The most apparent reason appears to be snails. My spinach had similar symptoms until I eliminated snails hiding in the growth. However, my kale was mostly damaged by caterpillars. I used Yates SUCCESS and it worked particularly when the Cabbage White Butterfly is active laying eggs. The larvae tend to eat up leaves just too quick, snails aren't that fast.
13 Nov 13, Vicki (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I am also having trouble finding Curly Kale seeds. I tried Bunnings today and there was no sign of them. Is it possible that I will need to get them from the net? and if so where?
18 Nov 13, Richard (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi Vicki, Google " green harvest" they have most everything Richard
02 Feb 14, Jasmin (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Thanks Richard! Just followed your suggestion and ordered a whole heap from them :)
18 Sep 13, bill mcintosh (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
we have kale in our garden it was purchased in a pot it has green and purple leaves is it edible we put it in the ground and it has flourished.
16 Sep 13, Laurene (Australia - temperate climate)
Why do my kale leaves have yellow patches?
21 Oct 13, Gene (Australia - temperate climate)
I'm guessing it's coming to the end of its life?
20 Aug 13, Courage (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Where can I buy kale (borehole) seedlings in gauteng sandton area in south africa
Showing 91 - 100 of 175 comments

Ask a question or post a comment or advice about Kale

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 Gardenate 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 Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | 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. 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.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.