Kale (Brassica oleracea)
Kale is a form of primitive cabbage that is probably one of the oldest cultivated vegetables.
It is highly nutritious and can be eaten raw (as a salad green), or cooked.
It is an excellent cold climate vegetable that will outlast all other greens when the frost comes. In many areas, Kale will even survive all through the winter and can be harvested from under snow. This makes it a great source of winter greens for northern gardeners.
1: Physical Features
Physical Features:
Bush
Height:
45 - 60cm (18 - 24"), some grow much higher.
Spread:
45 - 60cm (18 - 24")
Varieties:
Lacinato, Red Russian, Starbor, Dwarf Curled Scotch
2: General Info
Nutrition:
Very good source of Beta Carrotene, Vitamin A & Vitamin K. Most Kale are a great source of minerals such as copper, calcium, sodium, potassium, iron, manganese, and phosphorus. Rich in many other phytochemicals.
Usage:
Used as leafy greens in salads. Also makes a great addition to soups.
3: Sowing / Starting
Sowing:
Kale are very hardy and will will produce well if sewn directly in the ground. However, in ares where summers are very short, starting indoors can sometimes prove beneficial. Kale can also be started in early fall for winter crops.
You will obtain your best results if you start your seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date.
Starting Indoors:
You will obtain your best results if you start your seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date.
Outdoor Site & Soil Preparation:
They require moderate levels of nutrients, so work a few inches of compost (or a good general purpose fertilizer) into the soil prior to sewing.
Recommended PH Range:
6.0 - 7.0
Recommended Spacing in Beds:
45cm (18"). You can plant closer, and thin out plants as they grow larger.
Good Companions:
Pretty much anything with the noted exceptions of Pole Beans & Strawberries.
Bad Companions:
Pole Beans & Strawberries.
Growing in Containers:
Cale grows well in 35 - 40cm (14 -16") containers. They make very interesting greens for a deck or patio.
4: Cultivation
Fertilization:
Rake in a few inches of compost and / or slow release granular fertilizer in the early spring. Not much more will be required.
Harvesting:
Most Kale are so hardy that they can be harvested from under snow. Most prefer to slice of the leaves as needed with a sharp knife. The plant will often form side shoots where the other leaves have been removed.
Preservation & Storage :
Freshly harvested Kale can keep up to 4 weeks in the refrigerator as long as they are in an air-tight container.
Watering:
Requires heavy watering during their active growth season.
5: Pests & Diseases
Common Pests:
Aphids, Whitefly & Cabbage Caterpillars and Flea Beetles can cause problems. Fairly rare though.
Diseases:
There are a host of diseases that affect Brassicas. However, Kales are remarkably resistant to most.
Other Issues & Problems:
6: Harvesting, Usage & Storage
Harvesting:
Most Kale are so hardy that they can be harvested from under snow. Most prefer to slice of the leaves as needed with a sharp knife. The plant will often form side shoots where the other leaves have been removed.
Preservation and Storage:
Freshly harvested Kale can keep up to 4 weeks in the refrigerator as long as they are in an air-tight container.
Freezing:
Kale freezes very well in air-tight containers. Plants can also be left outdoors and harvested in the winter.