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KALE (Brassica oleraceae var. sabellica L.)

Growing Kale Plants

The nutrition information on this page is specific to a portion size of 100 grams. All information is sourced from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Nutrition information for raw, green, fresh Kale contain the following nutrients.

Kale, or leaf cabbage, belongs to a group of cabbage cultivars grown for their edible leaves, although some are used as ornamentals. Kale plants have green or purple leaves, and the central leaves do not form a head. Kale is a green, leafy, cruciferous vegetable that is rich in nutrients. It may offer a range of health benefits for the whole body. They are particularly high in Calcium, Copper, Manganese, Potassium, Vitamins A, B-6, C, and vitamin K.

How Much Space Does Kale Plants Need?

To grow kale to maturity, you need to give it a lot of room, usually between 18 and 24 inches on all sides. Apply a mulch around the plants to help hold moisture in the soil. Water well during dry weather.

What Type Soil Does Kale Like

Kale plants like to grow in a rich soil that's high in organic matter with a slightly acidic pH. The high nitrogen content provided by organic matter is crucial for healthy leaf growth. The soil also should drain well. You can achieve acceptable kale on heavier, well-drained soil, as long as you make sure the plants are well watered, you can also do the same on sandier soils.

Planting Instructions

Cold-hardy and resilient, kale is an easy member of the cabbage family to grow. You can set out plants quite early in spring as long as you protect the young plants from severe cold winds with a cover. They will grow steadily for months until the weather gets too warm. You'll get a second chance to plant kale in the fall, when cool weather brings out a wonderfully sweet, nutty flavor that is unique to these cold-natured plants. Plant kale 3 to 5 weeks before the last frost. Space kale 18 to 24 inches apart in an area with full sun and well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.5 to 6.8 Improve native soil by mixing in several inches of rich organic matter.

Nutrients

Normal- Since potted plants dry out faster than those in the garden, you may need to water container-grown kale more often during hot, dry periods. Fertilize with a tablespoon (15 mL.) of 8-4-4 water-soluble fertilizer mixed into one gallon (4 L.) of water once every 7-10 days when growing kale in pots. Unless you have an extremely long growing season, kale plants need just 1 dose of fertilizer and it's usually applied after the first leaves are harvested. This gives the plants the boost they need to keep producing.

Vegan- For best results if growing in small to medium size containers, be sure to incorporated before planting our Callemo Powder to help support the plants Calcium and Magnesium needs. Then our VeGrow Quick Start to get the root system started and then use our VeGrow Supreme Plus once a week for the duration of the plants life cycle.

What can I plant next to Kale

Alliums are some of the best companion palnts to grow near Kale. The Allium family which includes,garlic, chives, schallots, onions and leeks. These plants can help deter harmful insects like aphids, flea beetles and cabbage loopers. You can also plant Artichokes, Beets, Celery, Cucumber, Lettuce, Peas and Potatoes.

Harvest Time

Like collards, kale leaves are sweetest in the fall, after they've been touched by a light frost. Pick the oldest leaves from the lowest section of the plants, discarding those that appear yellowed or ragged. Pick your way up the stalk, taking as many leaves as you like, as long as you leave at least 4 leaves intact at each plant's top (or growing crown). Kale will produce new leaves all winter depending on where you live. In climates where hard freezes are frequent, kale often survives winter with additional cold protection from thick mulch, row covers, or plastic tunnels. Overwintered plants will eventually bolt (producing yellow flowers) in spring, signaling that it's time to remove them and make room for other crops. Wash the leaves thoroughly and store them in a plastic bag. If you cook the kale, the stems will become more tender. Kale leaves will keep for several days in the fridge in a loose plastic produce bag