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How to Grow Kale

easyGardening50-90 days8 steps

Safety Warnings

  • Avoid planting kale or other cole crops in the same location more than once every three or four years to reduce disease.

Tools Needed

Hand-hoe — For weeding between plants in rows
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Blackout dome — Used for microgreen germination
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Materials

Kale Seeds — Varieties such as Black Magic, Winterbor F1, or Red Russian(1 oz per 100 ft of drill)
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Organic Matter — Rich, well-drained soil(As needed)
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Straw or Litter — For winter protection(As needed)
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Steps

1
Prepare rich, well-drained soil with high organic matter (pH 6.0-7.5).
Tip: Soil can be slightly alkaline.
2
Sow seeds indoors 4-8 weeks before the last spring frost, or direct sow 2-3 weeks before the last frost.
Tip: For a fall crop, sow 12-14 weeks before the first fall frost.
3
Plant seeds 1/2 inch deep in drills 18 inches to 2 feet apart.
Tip: Soak seeds 6-8 hours before sowing for better germination.
4
Thin young plants to 6-18 inches apart depending on the variety.
Tip: Some varieties require 18 to 30 inches of spacing.
5
Maintain consistent moisture, aiming for approximately 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week.
Tip: While drought tolerant once established, quality and flavor suffer without consistent moisture.
6
Cultivate between rows and use a hand-hoe between plants to manage weeds.
Tip: Continuous cultivation is recommended until the plant matures.
7
Protect plants in northern climates during severe freezing weather using straw or litter.
Tip: Frost exposure often improves the flavor, making leaves sweeter.
8
Harvest tender young leaves or mature leaves as needed.
Tip: Harvest can continue right through snow; if leaves are frozen, thaw them in cold water.

Pro Tips

  • Kale is very cold hardy and can withstand temperatures down to 10°F (Winterbor F1).
  • In areas with hot summers, delay sowing until temperatures cool to bring out a sweet, nutty flavor.
  • Many kale varieties are ornamental and can be used for edible landscaping.

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Sources

Synthesized from 11 verified sources:

Gutenberg: Manual of GardeningView →
Cornell ExtensionView →
Old Farmer's AlmanacView →
Gutenberg: Farm Gardening GuideView →
Wind River Greens Plant DatabaseView →
Cornell ExtensionView →
Wind River Greens Plant DatabaseView →
Wind River Greens Plant DatabaseView →
Cornell ExtensionView →
Wind River Greens Plant DatabaseView →
Cornell ExtensionView →