Whole plant
Overall shape, height, branching and growth habit.
Brassicas
Kale growing guide
The hardiest brassica — survives hard frosts and actually improves in flavour after frost. Incredibly nutritious and productive over a long season.
Photo reference
Use this real-world photo as the main plant reference, then compare it with the botanical drawings below for leaf, flower and harvest details.
4-7 daysGermination
55-75 daysHarvest
45 cmSpacing
1 cmSow depth
FullSun
Very HardyFrost
2.5 cm/weekWater
6-7.5pH
Planting calendar by climate
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| Climate | Sow | Transplant / Plant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tropical | Apr - Aug | Apr - Aug | Jun - Oct |
| Subtropical | Mar - Aug | Mar - Aug | May - Oct |
| Mediterranean | Feb - Sep | Feb - Sep | Apr - Nov |
| Temperate | Feb - Sep | Feb - Sep | Apr - Nov |
| Cool | Feb - Sep | Feb - Sep | Apr - Nov |
| Arid | Mar - Aug | Mar - Aug | May - Oct |
Botanical reference
Compare the whole plant first, then check the leaf, flower and harvest detail to identify what Kale should look like as it grows.
Leaf detail
Leaf shape, edges, colour and vein pattern.
Flower detail
Flower colour, structure and where blooms appear.
Harvest / detail
Fruit, root, seed, pod or the strongest identifying feature.
Cooking and eating ideas
A quick garden-to-table guide for using Kale after harvest.
Raw / fresh
Use tender leaves or shredded cabbage raw in slaws, salads, wraps, and quick pickles.
Cooked
Steam, roast, stir-fry, braise, add to soups, gratins, curries, or tray bakes.
Store / preserve
Ferment cabbage, pickle stems, blanch and freeze florets or sturdy greens.
Try: Slaw, Roasted brassicas, Stir-fry, Fermented cabbage.
Good companions
Onion, Garlic, Sage, Rosemary, Alliums
Avoid near
Tomato, Strawberry, Pole Bean
Growing note
Harvest from the bottom up. Remove yellowing leaves promptly.
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