How to grow kale / RHS Gardening 26/05/2019, 13+01
Kale
Often a neglected crop, but one
that is increasing in popularity due
to its nutritional properties. Kale
(also known as borecole) tolerates
cold weather better than most
other brassicas and is relatively
free of pests and diseases,
although it should be netted
against birds. It will also tolerate a
lightly shaded position. Always
pick the leaves when they are
young and tender.
Sow Do now
Sow thinly 13mm (1/2in) deep in a seed bed in
Sow thinly 1cmm (½in) deep in a seed bed in rows 15cm (6in) apart
Water well in dry weather and conserve soil
moisture with a mulch
rows 15cm (6in) apart from March to June.
Thin the seedlings to 7.5cm (3in) apart. Month by month
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Sow ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Plant
Grow out ✔ ✔ ✔
Harvest
Transplant the young plants to their growing ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
position when plants have five or six true
leaves, setting the lowest leaves at ground RHS Plants Shop
level.
Kale
Water well the day before moving, firm in
well after transplanting and 'puddle' in the
plants with plenty of water. Space 45cm
(18in) between plants.
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How to grow kale / RHS Gardening 26/05/2019, 13+01
Water well in dry weather and conserve soil
moisture with a mulch.
A spring feed will improve results.
Protect the plants from birds by covering
with netting or fleece.
View all
Common problems Kale
at the RHS Plants Shop
Birds: Birds, especially pigeons, can
cause an array of problems including
eating seedlings, buds, leaves, fruit
and vegetables.
Remedy: Protect the plants from birds by
covering them with netting or fleece.
Scarecrows and bird-scaring mechanisms
work for a while, but the most reliable
method of protection is to cover plants with
horticultural fleece or mesh.
More info on Birds
Cabbage root fly: White larvae
approximately 5cm (2in) long, feed
on the roots just below the soil
surface, stunting growth and
causing plants to wilt and die.
Remedy: Grow under insect-proof mesh or
horticultural fleece. Seedlings are most
vulnerable.
More info on Cabbage root fly
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How to grow kale / RHS Gardening 26/05/2019, 13+01
Caterpillars: A number of
caterpillars will feed on brassicas,
but the most common are those of
cabbage white butterflies. You will
usually see the caterpillars, if not, you will
see the holes they make in the leaves. They
will also bore into the heart of cabbages.
Remedy: In mild attacks, or if you have only
a few plants, you may be able to pick the
caterpillars off. Insect-proof mesh or fine
netting (5-7mm mesh) can prevent egg-
laying.
More info on Caterpillars
Harvesting
Start to remove young leaves from the top of
the plant from October onwards.
Sideshoots are formed after the main crown
is harvested and these are ready for use
from February to May; pick shoots that are
10-15cm (4-6in) long and still young.
Recipes
Masterchef judge Greg Wallace suggests
using kale, Swiss chard, spinach or spring
greens for his recipe Chilli greens.
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How to grow kale / RHS Gardening 26/05/2019, 13+01
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