BrassicasBrassicaceae
Kale.
Cool seasonDeer-resistant
At a glance
The spec sheet.
- Indoor start
- Optional; direct sow works
- Direct sow / out
- Apr 1 (spring) / Jul–Aug (fall)
- Germ
- 5–10 days
- Days to harvest
- 50–75
- Spacing
- 15–18"
- Depth
- ¼"
- Square-foot
- 1 per square
- Qty target
- 6 plants for regular meals.
Plant
Direct sow in cool weather. Frost dramatically improves flavor — kale is at its best in November after a hard freeze.
Care
Row cover extends the season. Aphids sometimes appear on undersides — spray off with water.
Harvest
Pick outer leaves; plant keeps producing for months. In NJ, harvest into December with row cover.
Freezes well after blanching. Kale chips (baked), dried kale for winter smoothies.
Companion planting
What kale likes, and doesn’t.
Good neighbors
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