Kale is a resilient cold-hardy green that is really easy to grow! There are many varieties to choose from, but they're all very tasty and healthy.
Where to Plant Kale
Kale grows the quickest and most tenderly in full sun and in nutritious, well-drained soil. However, if you do not have a sunny spot to plant it in, kale tolerates shade pretty well, too.
Soil for Kale
Amend your soil with a lot of compost prior to planting is ideal for producing the best kale. Since kale is a leafy green, incorporating nitrogen-rich additions like blood meal, cottonseed meal, or composted manure is highly beneficial as well.
When to Plant Kale
The best time to plant kale is in the spring, 4 to 6 weeks before the typical last spring frost or late summer so that the kale can enjoy the first frosts.
Kale grows quickly and reaches maturity before the highest summer temperatures (75°F/24°C) or after fall frosts if planted in late summer or fall. Mature plants can tolerate temperatures as low as 25°F/-4°C and can survive winters, especially in the Southwest and Pacific Northwest. The chilly weather even brings out the sweet, nutty flavor!
How to Plant Kale
Kale seeds should be planted 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep and spaced 1 inch apart. Rows can be 18 to 30 inches apart to allow room for growth. Seedlings will then need to be thinned after about two weeks of planting.
It is ideal to treat your soil with 5-10-10 fertilizer at the time of planting and and later supplement your plants with nitrogen heavy fertilizer as they begin to mature. Kale enjoys moist soil—make sure to water with 1 to 1.5 inches of water (about 1 gallon per square foot) every week in order to avoid stunted growth. Mulching early on allows the plant to grow strong enough to survive cold winters so you can snack on fresh leaves all year long.
How Long Will it Take to Grow Kale?
You can begin harvesting kale when leaves are about 6 inches long or around the size of your hand. However, you must make sure to harvest leaves that are on the outer area of the plants—the leaves in the center are “baby leaves” which are still growing. The typical time frame for harvest is about 60 to 90 days after planting.
Additionally, while it may be tempting to eat most of your kale plant at one time, you must make sure to leave at least ⅓ of your plant untouched in order to ensure continuous growth. And if you’re harvesting in the fall, make sure to wait until the first frost to harvest as colder temperatures result in more flavorful kale.