Kale
Brassica oleracea var. sabellica
Family: Brassicaceae · Genus: Brassica
Kale is a hardy leafy green vegetable in the brassica family, prized for its nutrient-dense leaves. Extremely cold-tolerant, flavour improves after frost. Native to the eastern Mediterranean and Asia Minor.
Soil Temperature
8°C – 30°C
Spacing
50 – 100 cm
Harvest
7–10 weeks
Sowing
Grow in seed trays, and plant out in 4-6 weeks.
Growing Schedule Zone 8b
Companions
Avoid Growing Near
Growing Notes
Green leafy plant. Kale is a good addition or substitute for cabbage varieties. Cavalo Nero can be grown in slightly smaller spacing. Very winter hardy. Flavour is improved by frost. Ornamental varieties are colourful, and edible. Rotate with other crops to avoid clubroot infection.
Culinary Hints
Strong flavoured and nutritious vegetable. Wash well and chop finely then steam. A tomato or cheese sauce will mask the flavour if too strong.