How to grow Kale

This is a guide to growing Kale. Find out when to plant, feed and harvest and troubleshoot any problems you have with your Kale crop.

Kale requires rich, well draining soil with plenty of compost mixed in. 

Kale prefers full sun, however will grow well in partial sun to partial shade. 

Yes, Kale is frost tolerant. 

Plant Kale 30-40cm apart. 

Kale is a cool season crop that grows best in temperatures between 4 and 21°C (39–70°F). Seeds are best sown once soil has warmed to at least 10°C (50°F)

Usually planted out in autumn. Will grow right throughout winter in warmer climates. Can also be planted in spring, particularly in cooler climates. 

If transplanting seedlings, plant out in the early morning or evening and/or on an overcast day. Avoid planting at peak sun times or on windy days, this will allow your plants to settle in comfortably and protect them from windburn and sunburn.  

 Apply an organic fertiliser throughout the season.

Harvest the outer leaves as needed throughout the season. Harvest regularly to ensure that the leaves are tender, older leaves will become coarse.  

Pests that affect Kale include: Aphids, Slug, Snail, Cabbage Moth, Cabbage White Butterfly, Diamondback Moth, Flea Beetle, Cabbage Root Fly, Cutworm, Armyworm, Cabbage Looper, Cutworm, Cabbage Worm, Thrips, Root Knot Nematode, 28 Spotted Ladybug.

Diseases that affect Kale include: Leaf Spot, Black Rot, Club Root, Downy Mildew, Powdery Mildew, Anthracnose. 

Check the Kale leaves in the very centre of the plant regularly as Aphids love to hide in there and can cause damage very quickly. If Aphids are found, wash them off with a spray of water from the garden hose. Visit the Pests guide for other ways to control Aphids. 

Inspect plants regularly or use fine mesh or exclusion netting to prevent White Butterflies from laying eggs on the underside of leaves, Caterpillars can greatly damage Kale plants.