Kale - Brassica oleracea Acephala Group
Full sun.
Jul–Sep depending on sowing time.
Mar–May outdoors after risk of frost.
60–90cm height; 45–75cm spread.
Overview
A tough, reliable leafy brassica that crops for months, especially in cooler weather. Pick leaves regularly and plants will keep producing. Kale is great sautéed with garlic, added to soups and stews, or baked into crispy kale chips.
- Vegetable Type: Kale
- Key Characteristic: Hardy leafy green packed with nutrients and flavour.
- Hardiness: Hardy (tolerates normal UK winter conditions).
PLANTING ADVICE
Plant in firm, fertile soil with good drainage. Best grown in the ground with adequate spacing for large heads.
- Outdoor cultivation
Best grown outdoors in well-prepared soil in full sun or light shade depending on crop.
- Greenhouse cultivation
Not suitable for greenhouse cultivation.
CARE & HARVEST
Keep soil moist and weed free. Firm soil gently around stems to prevent wind rock. Protect from caterpillars with netting where needed. Harvest heads or leaves while young and tender.
- Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry weather, to encourage steady growth and prevent splitting.
- Feeding: Feed with a nitrogen-rich fertiliser in early growth to encourage leafy development.
- Cutting and prunning: Remove any damaged or diseased growth as needed.
- Harvesting: Pick outer leaves regularly once plants are established. Leaves improve in flavour after light frost.
- Pest and diseases: Protect from cabbage white caterpillars and pigeons with netting.
VERVE RECOMMENDS...
- Harvest little and often to keep plants productive and performing at their best.