Kale Seed Starting Tips

Kale Sowing and Planting Tips Start kale indoors 10 to 6 weeks before the last spring frost; sow seed in early spring or late summer or a fall or winter crop. Sow seed ¼ to ½ inch (6-13mm) deep. Sow seeds 4 inches (10cm) apart; later thin seedlings to 16 to 18 inches (40-45cm) apart; use the thinnings in salads.

How do you start kale seeds?
Should I soak kale seeds before planting?
How big should kale seedlings be before transplanting?
Why are my kale seedlings not growing?
Does kale seeds need light to germinate?
Does Kale need direct sunlight?
What is the best way to start seeds indoors?
What is the best way to germinate seeds?
How do you take care of kale seedlings?
When can I move kale seedlings outside?
What temperature do kale seeds germinate?

How do you start kale seeds?

Kale seeds germinate quickly in warm soil and should sprout up within five to eight days. Cover the seeds with about 1/2 inch of soil, and do not allow the seeds to dry out before germinating. Transplant your seedlings after the danger of frost has passed. Leave about 16 inches of spacing between the plants.

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.

How big should kale seedlings be before transplanting?

When the plant is about 22cm / 9in high and four leaves have developed (about 6 weeks after sowing) transplant them to their final positions. Seeded or transplanted kale should be spaced 6 inches between plants in the row with rows 1 foot apart.

Why are my kale seedlings not growing?

Temperature of the soil is too hot or too cold. ... Your soil should be moist, but not soaked. Planting depth of the seeds – plant too deeply, and germinating seeds have a hard time reaching the surface or light is unable to reach the seed. Plant too shallow, and too much light can damage the seed.

Does kale seeds need light to germinate?

Kale grows best in full sun but can tolerate light shade. Kale prefers a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Seed germinates in 5 to 7 days at or near 70°F (21°C); sometimes seed can take up to 2 weeks to germinate if the soil is cold.

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 is the best way to start seeds indoors?

How to Start Vegetable Seeds Indoors

Purchase your seeds from a trusted source. ...
Pot with seed-starting mix. ...
Make sure your containers have drainage holes. ...
Plant seeds at the proper depth. ...
After sowing, set the containers in a warm location. ...
Keep seed-starting mix moist. ...
As soon as seedlings emerge, place pots in a bright location.

What is the best way to germinate seeds?

Moisten the newly planted seeds with a mister or a small watering can. To speed germination, cover the pots with plastic wrap or a plastic dome that fits over the seed-starting tray. This helps keep the seeds moist before they germinate. When you see the first signs of green, remove the cover.

How do you take care of kale seedlings?

How to Grow Kale

It's important to keep kale well watered and fed. If rain is inconsistent, provide 1 to 1.5 inches of water each week (about 1 gallon per square foot).
Regularly feed kale with a continuous-release plant food.
Mulch the soil to keep down the weeds and keep kale cool as kale won't grow in hot weather.

When can I move kale seedlings outside?

PLANTING OUTSIDE:

You can transplant your kale seedlings up to 25 days until your first frost date to get “baby” kale, and about 50 days before your first frost date to get harvests of large, “bunching” kale.

What temperature do kale seeds germinate?

The ideal temperature range for kale seed germination is 45° to 85°F; at these temperatures your kale seeds will germinate in about 4-7 days.