Step-by-Step Growing Guide
Kale is one of the most cold-tolerant vegetables in cultivation, surviving to -10°C when well-established, and actually improving in flavour after frost as starches convert to sugars. It grows best in deep, fertile soil at pH 6.0–7.5. Incorporate compost at 5cm depth and apply a nitrogen-rich fertiliser (blood meal at 200g per square metre) before transplanting. Space plants 45–60cm apart in rows 60–75cm apart — kale becomes a large plant. Transplant at nursery pot depth. Water regularly, 2.5cm per week, but kale tolerates short dry periods better than most brassicas. Mulch heavily in autumn to insulate soil and extend harvest through winter. Feed with liquid nitrogen fertiliser (fish emulsion) every 3 weeks for continuous leaf production. Start seeds indoors 6 weeks before last spring frost or 10 weeks before first autumn frost for a fall/winter crop. Kale is a biennial that produces edible flowers in year two — leave one plant to bolt for seed saving.
