Kale is a common super healthy and tasty vegetable that you can’t miss in many households during dinner time. Kale is a member of the cabbage family. It is typically a form of cabbage that doesn’t exhibit the head like most cabbages. Even better, it is grouped in green leafy veggies, and it is beneficial since it is chock full of essential nutrients such as calcium, vitamins C and K, Iron, and fiber.
But is it easy to grow kale?
Yes, growing kale won’t give you a hard time. However, Kale is a hardy plant, and that is why it does well in cool temperatures, thus the sweet flavor and green color. It also has a fast growth rate, and you can grow it from cuttings or seeds.
For better results, plant in late winter or early spring. But you can plant kale in late summer while preparing for a fall or winter harvest. The annual veggie does well in loamy, moist, well-drained soil.
The soil pH required is 6.5 to 6.8 and grows in the USDA zone of 7-9. Growing kale is easy; you can plant them in pots or in the garden. If you are planting them in pots, how should you grow them? Check out below.
Table of Contents
How to Grow Kale in Pots
Growing kale in pots is one of the simplest methods so far. Ensure that the pot is large enough to provide room for the roots to grow. Sprinkle the seeds and cover them with compost.
Provide adequate water since these veggies dry faster in pots. Sow half an inch deep and space 3-4 inches apart. If you are planting for an extended period ensure they get enough nutrients, and this can only happen by feeding seaweed food.
This is simply because you will reduce the nutrients after some time. Thin your seedlings once they have germinated since there might be less space to accommodate and grow all of them.
But you can also decide not to thin out. Add companion plants such as onions, potatoes, or herbs for better results. Therefore, you don’t need to plant kale in the backyard or garden a pot will do just fine.
How to Grow Kale from Seed
As mentioned earlier, you can grow kale from seeds. This is the best method to start the process toward a bumper harvest. Remember you can grow kale from the ground or in pots. To start, let’s go the pot way. Sprinkle the seeds in the potting compost then cover with water and add compost.
Alternatively, you can soak the seeds in water for a whole day before sowing. This process is effective since it will speed up germination. If you are sowing in rows from the ground, put 3 to 4 seeds together every 30 cm (12 inches) deep.
Ensures that it is 45 cm (18 inches) in between rows. Direct seeds will mature between 55 to 75 days. Transplanting will speed up the process to speed up the process. Plant more seeds or transplant them every two to three weeks for continuous harvests.
How to Grow Kale from Cuttings
Apart from seeds, green leafy vegetables can be grown from cuttings. To grow kale from cuttings:
- Cut three inches of the top bud from the center part of the kale plant.
- AlthoughIt optional, you can put the stem in honey or rooting hormone. This act is essential since it will stimulate growth.
- Cut the foliage to make sure that the growth focal point is at the roots of the planet.
- Keep the plant well-drained to ensure or boost the growth of a new root. Moisture is essential since it will dryness will make the plant wither.
Will Kale Come Back Yearly?
As much as you have all the information about growing kale from seeds and cutting, you need to ask yourself this question. Will Kale grow back again?
Yes, kale is known to be a biennial plant-it takes it takes around two years to bloom. But it can come every year if you are harvesting the leaves. Harvesting the tender leaves will encourage the production of bigger leaves. As a rule, the more you pick, the more fresh leaves emerge. So why not harvest the young leaves?
With that in mind, check out these kale varieties.
Top Recommended Kale Varieties
If you are looking for the best variety of kale to include in your garden, look and try some of these varieties.
Winter Red Kale
As the name suggests, this plant is a gorgeous winter garden vegetable loved by many. It contains a great flavor since it is grown in cold temperatures. This variety exhibits small leaves that are well spaced, flat, and wide. It also contains bright red stems with a tender texture, thus making it great for salads.
Tronchuda Kale
This is the best variety of kales easy to grow and germinate. It is easily recognized by its unique appearance: soft, circular, open green leaves and light green stems. It does well in both hot and cold weather. Just like winter red kale, it is perfect for juicing.
Scarlett Kale
The third best variety of kale is Scarlett. They are curled and contain dark-purple eaves. They are crunchy and used in preparing salads but not cooking. Scarletts mature within 60 days and do well when grown beside herbs such as thyme or mint.
Lacinato Kale
It originates Lat but not listed is the lacinato kale from Tuscany. One striking thing about this plant is the resemblance to ostrich feathers. It exhibits long dark grey leaves, thus suitable for braising or boiling.
With this plant, you will gain nutrients and enjoy stews and soups. It is also a perfect addition to Italian cuisines such as pesto or minestrone.
These varieties are the best worldwide. They have different characteristics, uses, and growth requirements but different families. With all that information, you must have found the ideal one for your needs.
However, which one is easy to grow? Read on to Find out below.
What Is the Easiest Kale Variety To Grow?
The best and easiest variety of kale is Tronchuda. It grows best in cold and hot weather. After planting, it will mature within 55 days. This excellent plant is best used for juicing because it contains tenders and thick leaves. On top of that, it is the easiest variety of kale to germinate.
Kale Planting Schedule
- During spring, A plant 6-4 weeks before the last frost. Remember to start seeds indoors and transplant them later.
- 2-4 weeks before the last frost in spring, transplant the seeds into the garden.
- Slow in the garden for two weeks before the last frost, and don’t forget to maintain the temperature of 45 degrees.
Harvesting
To harvest kale:
- Start the seeds indoors 14-12 weeks before the last frost in fall.
- Transplant the seedlings into the garden 10-8 weeks before the first frost.
- Transplant the seedlings into a cold frame 10-6 weeks before the first frost in fall.
FAQ
Q: How Long Does a Kale Plant Take To Grow?
A: As mentioned earlier, growing kale is easy since it does not require much. There are many varieties of kale, and each takes a different but almost the same duration to grow.
Since all of them are worth trying, kale will be ready to grow in well-drained soils and is ready in a span of two to months to mature from seed. However, the green curly leaf variety takes longer to grow in cold weather.
Q: What Temperature Does Kale Grow In?
A: kale is a cool-weather veggie. It grows in an ideal or optimal soil of 60 to 65 degrees. To add, almost all varieties prefer cool temperatures and thrive by a touch of frost. Too much temperature will turn the kale bitter. In most temperatures, kale thrives from early spring to early summer.
Q: Does Kale Need a Lot of Sun?
A: Sun is a general requirement for most plants. Some require partial sun while others full sun. For kale, full sun is essential but will tolerate partial shade. Ensure it receives not less than 6 hours of sun daily. If not, it will not become leafy but will still be good for consumption.
Q: What Can I Plant Near Kale?
A: Kale can be planted near cucumbers, beets, spinach, onions, potatoes, herbs, and celery. However, it is not happy when grown near tomatoes, beans, or strawberries. This is because they can fall prey to the same pests and diseases.
The Bottom Line
Kale is a gorgeous plant to include in your garden. Growing it is easy since it is not demanding to things such as water, well-drained soils, or sunlight. Just the right amount of these aspects will do good. On top of that, it contains essential nutrients such as fiber and calcium.
These nutrients will protect your body and help fight diseases. If you are looking for a plant that’s easy to grow, why not opt for kale? In the end, you will enjoy a delicious meal and share some with your loved ones.