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 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

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04 Mar 11, Georgia (Australia - arid climate)
I also live on the Northern Beaches - I bought kale seeds online from Diggers.com.au just recently actually. There were $3 I think with $6 postage
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08 Aug 10, ANKE (Australia - temperate climate)
COULD NOT BELIEVE AFTER 15YEARS WE SAW AND BOUGHT FRESH KALE GREEN AT DROMANA VICTORIA IN A GREEN GROCERY STORE NEAR THE BEACH. HAVE NOT EATEN IT SINCE MY MOTHER PASSED AWAY AND COULD NOT GET IT ANYMORE.BEING GERMAN IT WAS ONE OF OUR FAVORITE MEALS SHE COOKED WITH SMOKED SAUSAGES AND SMOKED HAM HOCKS..
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10 Mar 10, aukje van Vark (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
(Dutch) Kale or boerekool, needs a night of below zero before eating. Normally this happens on the fields, but you can also achieve this by freezing it after harvest. It gets the bitterness out, and makes it a touch sweeter. We always eat it mashed with potatoes, and then add fried bacon and sausages.
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28 Nov 14, Betty McGrath (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Aujke, How long in the freezer?
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27 Jan 10, Evelyn (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I grew some Tuscan Black Kale in a wine barrel last winter and it was in part-shade with lots of morning sun. Didn't seem to hurt it and we had a good crop. Mario I haven't see kale in the supermarkets (in Canberra) as yet but others may have.
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22 Aug 11, Sid Pearson (Australia - temperate climate)
Woolworth Mawson has some
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08 Dec 09, Mario Mariani (Australia - temperate climate)
Does Kale grow wild as an introduced plant throughout the Temperate zone? Is it sold in markets and supermarkets in Australia?
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26 Jul 10, Mel (Australia - temperate climate)
Mario, i just saw established kale seedlings at bunnings for under $3. I am sure that being the big corporate being they are, they will have kale in most of their stores :) I am wondering whether it is a good thing to plant now though? (Late july)
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18 Aug 09, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Paea, you can buy kale seeds online from www. kingsseeds.co.nz or some garden shops sell their seeds.
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18 Aug 09, Paea Haraki (New Zealand - temperate climate)
can u tell me where can i buy kale from in new zealand or seeds
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