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Kale (Borecole)

Brassica oleracea Acephala group

INTRODUCTION

Kale is probably the hardiest of all winter vegetables and will tolerate less than ideal growing conditions.

It has been grown for centuries and is available in several forms and colours such as red and a bi-colour as well as the standard green.

Modern-day breeding has also introduced better-tasting varieties and Kale really should be included in your winter veg planning.

Soil Preparation

Kale prefers a fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil. The growing area should be sunny and the soil should be well consolidated.

Kale, however, will also grow on poorer soils that other Brassicas will not.

The addition of garden lime may be required to maintain a soil pH of around 6.5. Do not grow in a freshly manured site as this addition of excess nitrogen can cause excessive foliage growth. Manure ground well in advance of planting.

Sowing & Planting

Kale can be sown directly into a seedbed for later transplanting but a better method of raising plants is to sow into modules or seed trays.

Sow from March and April onwards into your chosen container and cover to a depth of approx. 0.5cm.

Keep at a temperature of between 5c and 15c. When seedlings are large enough to handle, transfer into a larger container. A 9cm pot is ideal.

Planting out should be from May onwards for crops that will be ready to harvest from late summer onwards.

Make successional sowings throughout the season to extend harvesting through winter and into the following spring.

Ensure plants are deep enough and well firmed in, they dislike loose soil.

Do not allow sowing temperatures to rise above 25oc, Brassica seed can go into dormancy at high temperatures.

Growing & General Cultivation

After planting, water well. Once established Kale requires minimal watering to maintain growth. Protect establishing plants with netting to guard against attack from pigeons.

Keep growing crops weed-free and stake plants as they grow if required.

Feed once during the growing season and mulch plants if possible.

Try and avoid growing Kale or any other Brassica plant type on the same ground the following year. Crop rotation is an important factor in helping to protect against disease.

Pests & Diseases

Kale tends to suffer less from the other common pests and diseases associated with Brassicas.

Slugs and Snails can be a problem for young plants - for remedies - see product directory.

Other pests can include Caterpillars (cabbage white). Eggs will appear on the underside of leaves during summer and can be removed by hand. Caterpillars will devastate crops within days if left uncontrolled. Chemical control is available - see product directory.

Cabbage Whitefly (not to be confused with greenhouse whitefly) can not only be unsightly but can be a problem with Kale, as it hides on the underside of foliage that is destined for the kitchen. A chemical application may be required - see product directory for details.

Kale is less susceptible to foliage diseases and does not have the same issues with Clubroot as other Brassicas.