Kale Growing Quick Tips

Quick Guide to Growing Kale

Plant kale 3 to 5 weeks before the last frost. ...
Space kale 18 to 24 inches apart in an area with full sun and well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.5 to 6.8.
Improve native soil by mixing in several inches of aged compost or other rich organic matter.

How long does it take for kale to grow?
Why is my kale not growing?
How do you start growing kale?
Will kale grow back after cutting?
Does Kale need direct sunlight?
What can you not plant with kale?
How often should I water kale?
Why is my kale bolting?
What grows well with kale?
Should I soak kale seeds before planting?
Does Kale come back every year?
Can I grow kale indoors?

How long does it take for kale to grow?

Kale has a relatively fast growth rate and can grow from seed to harvest in about two months. It is a biennial plant that typically is grown as an annual. It is best direct sown or transplanted in the late winter/early spring in cooler climates, and late summer in warmer climates, for fall-winter harvesting.

Why is my kale not growing?

Too Much or Too Little Water. Water is essential for crops, but too much or too little can cause problems. If you're planting a vegetable garden, the general rule is to give your crops about an inch of water per week. ... If you live in a particularly moist climate, for example, an inch of water may be too much.

How do you start growing kale?

How to Plant Kale

If you're planting seeds, sow ¼ to ½ inch deep into well-drained, light soil.
After about 2 weeks, thin the seedlings so that they are spaced 8 to 12 inches apart. ...
If you're setting out young plants (transplants), plant them at the depth at which they are growing in the container.

Will kale grow back after cutting?

So long as you continue to harvest in this fashion, the plant will continue to produce new leaves from the top as it grows taller. But if you harvest the leaves from the top, they you will stunt the plants growth! Also note: you should continuously remove yellowed leaves.

Does Kale need direct sunlight?

One of the most nutritious shade loving vegetables around, kale thrives in just a few hours of sunlight per day. Kale is also extremely cold tolerant, making it a great crop for fall harvests. ... Don't expect huge leaves in the shade, but tender baby chard leaves are amply produced with only three hours of sun per day.

What can you not plant with kale?

Kale (Brassica oleracea) is a leafy green vegetable and member of the cabbage family. Varieties include lacinato, red Russian, and dinosaur kale. Avoid planting kale with other brassicas (like broccoli, kohlrabi, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, and Swiss chard), as they can fall prey to the same pests and diseases.

How often should I water kale?

Kale is a fast grower, so keep the soil moist by giving it 1 to 1.5 inches of water each week.

Why is my kale bolting?

Kale can bolt the following spring when it overwinters in your garden. When the temperatures begin to warm it can send up a flower stalk because it is a biennial plant that produces flowers and seed the second year of its life cycle. The leaves will become more bitter when it bolts.

What grows well with kale?

Kale is buddy-buddy with beets, celery, cucumbers, herbs, onions, spinach, chard, and potatoes. It isn't happy growing next to beans, strawberries, or tomatoes. Keep soil moist to encourage consistent growth.

Should I soak kale seeds before planting?

Should you soak Kale seeds before planting? Soaking Kale seeds for 24 hours before planting can significantly cut down on germination time and overall effort. To soak seeds, just put them in a cup of water for about 24 hours. Most seeds must not be soaked for more than 24 hours.

Does Kale come back every year?

Does kale come back every year? Although kale is normally grown as an annual plant, it is actually a biennial, which means it has a two-year life cycle. In its first growing season, your kale plant will produce lots of leafy green foliage.

Can I grow kale indoors?

Whether you simply don't have the space to garden outside or want to grow your own vegetables throughout a cold winter, gardening indoors allows you to do that. Along with other leafy greens, kale can be an ideal vegetable to grow inside. Although it will require a fair amount of light, it won't need much space.