For example, 'Lacinato' kale needs 2 to 3 feet of space, while 'Red Russian' kale spreads only a foot wide. However, you should always defer to your variety's seed packet or plant tag for spacing instructions. On average, plant kale 18 inches apart in rows 2 feet apart. If you live in a southern or coastal climate with mild winters, you can grow kale from late fall through the winter. Then, begin growing kale again six to eight weeks before your anticipated first frost date for a fall crop. Remove plants when they start to go to seed (also known as bolting) when summer temps set in. For northern states, plant kale seeds and seedlings outdoors in early spring - roughly three to five weeks before your average last frost date. If you're wondering when to plant kale in your hardiness zone, base your planting dates around your first and last frost dates. Kale is considered a cool season crop, which means it performs best in spring and fall in most parts of the country. Here's everything you need to know about growing kale for a lush, leafy harvest. If you're asking yourself questions like when to plant kale and how far apart to plant kale, we're here to help. A relative of broccoli and cabbage, you can grow a bumper crop of kale in mere weeks. So called Ornamental kales can be eaten but are generally of poor quality.Whether you love smoothies, salads or sautés, kale is a must-grow in any home garden. Red Russian Kale has frilly curled leaves and light green leaves tinged with pink. Also known as Black Tuscan Kale, Cavolo Nero and Nero di Toscana. Tuscan Kale has very dark green leaves with a dimpled surface. Kale can produce leaves for harvest for up to 12 months, before producing flower shoots which may be eaten like broccoli. Use kale leaves in any way that you would use cabbage. Harvest kale after 8 weeks and carefully remove individual leaves as required, taking care not to wrench the plant, as it may topple. If the caterpillars persist then you may spray with Dipel or use derris dust. You can also simply remove affected leaves. If you do notice pale green caterpillars chewing holes in your seedlings then remove by hand and look on the undersides of the leaves for pale yellow eggs, which may be rubbed off. Plant in an open sunny position and protect from cabbage white butterfly using a fine mesh netting or fly wire. If growing from seedlings plant them deeply, up to the first leaves, to establish a stable plant. It requires a moist, rich soil containing plenty of well-rotted cow manure and compost, with dolomite lime added. Plant kale as seedlings in autumn or propagate from seed in late summer. It is a highly nutritious vegetable and highly ornamental also! It may be grown year round but in Melbourne it is typically planted in autumn, as it develops a good flavour during cold conditions and is less prone to attack from the cabbage white butterfly, a lover of the cabbage family. Kale is a type of non-heading cabbage from which leaves are harvested for use over a long growing period. This member of the cabbage family is enjoying resurgence in popularity. To confirm availability please call (03) 8850 3030 and ask for the nursery. Not all plants will be available at all times throughout the year. There are hundreds of factsheets on our website provided for your information.
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