Table of Contents
In early spring, young kale plants can be set out in the garden 3 to 5 weeks before the last spring frost date. If temperatures are likely to dip well below freezing, it’s best to cover young plants at night. For a fall harvest, young kale plants can be set out 6 to 8 weeks before the first fall frost.
What month do you plant kale?
Soil, Planting, and Care. Set out plants in spring 3 to 5 weeks before the last frost; in late summer, you can begin planting kale 6 to 8 weeks before the first frost for fall and winter harvests, and continue planting throughout the fall in zones 8, 9, and 10.
How late can you plant kale?
Kale can be planted three to five weeks prior to your area’s projected last frost date in the spring. It also can be planted in the late summer roughly six to eight weeks before your first fall frost. Those in warm climates (zone 8 and above) can continue to plant in the early fall for a late fall to winter harvest.
How do you grow kale in California?
Grow kale in the ground. Like most fruits and vegetables, kale will do just fine if grown in the ground in Southern California. The San Diego area tends to have clay soil, so you may need to amend your soil before planting seeds. You can also start your kale garden from nursery plants planted about one foot apart.
What should not be planted near kale?
Avoid planting kale with other brassicas (like broccoli, kohlrabi, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, and Swiss chard), as they can fall prey to the same pests and diseases.
Can I plant kale in March?
When to Sow in the Spring and Fall Kale is a cool weather crop, so it grows best in the spring and fall and in locations where it can receive plenty of sunlight. In the spring, you can plant seeds outside immediately after the last frost. Therefore, I start seeds indoors in trays the first week of March.
Can I plant kale in May?
Seed packets may tell you different, but I wouldn’t bother sowing kale until late spring (May and early June in the UK) or even early summer. Ideally, you want well-drained soil that nevertheless remains moist, so it’s a good idea to mulch around the plants.
When can I plant kale outside?
Kale is best sown from late spring to early summer, which makes it the perfect choice to follow on from earlier crops such as garlic, broad beans, or early salads.
Does kale come back every year?
Kale is a biennial that many people grow as an annual, advises Cornell University. Some varieties of kale are perennial plants that come back year after year.
Can I plant kale in November?
Liven up your garden with kale, spinach and alliums this fall! Luckily, vegetables like kale and other greens are great to plant when temperatures drop; some even taste better as their leaves mature in the cooler weather. Oct 1, 2021.
When can you plant kale in California?
Planting Dates Start seed in October for a fall and winter green or Feb. to March for a spring crop. Inland: Start seed in October for a fall and winter green or Feb. to March for a spring crop.
What temperature does kale grow in?
Kale can’t survive extremely cold weather or snow unless it’s protected by a cold frame. The ideal temperature range for growing kale is between 65 and 75°F. Kale thrives from the early spring to early summer in most climates. Light: Kale plants can handle either full sun or partial shade.
Does kale regrow after cutting?
When kale is harvested properly, it works as a cut and come again vegetable that quickly grows back to regenerate its leaves for multiple harvests. For your kale to grow back, harvest the oldest leaves first—those on the outside of the plant at the bottom.
How do I keep bugs off my kale?
Mix water and a few drops of nontoxic dish detergent and put it into a spray bottle. Spritz the kale leaves with the soapy water. This coats the leaves with a bitter residue that repels bugs, while also suffocating any existing pests.
Can basil and kale be planted together?
Companion planting kale will repel some of the common pests that affect the plants. However, for some reason, kale does not enjoy the companionship of basil. The kale will do well with potatoes but will not get along well tomatoes. Additionally,kale will not do well with strawberries.
What can you plant next to kale?
Among the veggie plants compatible with kale are: Artichokes. Beets. Celery. Cucumber. Lettuce. Onion. Peas. Potatoes.
Will kale grow back after winter?
A Two-Year Cycle In USDA Hardiness Zones 7 to 10, biennial kale will continue to produce edible leaves throughout the winter. After the first winter, your biennial kale plants will begin to put more of their energy into reproduction, and less energy into leaf growth.
Can you direct sow kale?
DIRECT SEEDING: Plant from early spring to approximately 3 months before expected fall frost. For bunching: Sow 3–4 seeds every 12–18″, ½” deep, in rows 18–36″ apart. Thin to 1 plant per group. EARLY SPRING CROP: Use varieties suited to warm-season production.
Should I let my kale flower?
Those tiny flower buds that appear on your kale plants at the end of the season don’t necessarily mean the end of your crop. In fact, just the opposite: the florets are a bonus harvest you can eat, and they turn even sweeter if you’ve had frost. Pick a handful next time and try them raw or cooked!.
