You can sow kale seeds indoors in February and March and then outside right through to August to ensure a good supply through the summer, autumn, winter and early spring.
What month do you plant kale?
Kale has a relatively fast growth rate and can grow from seed to harvest in about three months. It is best planted in the late winter or early spring and can also be planted in the late summer for a fall to winter harvest.
What is best to plant in February?
Plant Cool-Weather Crops
If you live in the South or Far West, you can plant cool weather vegetables such as spinach, peas, greens, onions, potatoes, lettuce, Swiss chard, beets, carrots, and radishes in your February garden.
What temperature can I plant kale?
between 65 and 75°F.
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.
When should I plant kale seeds in spring?
When to Plant Kale
- For spring: Whether direct seeding into the soil or transplanting start plants from the nursery, you can plant 4 to 6 weeks before the average last spring frost.
- For fall: Select early maturing cultivars and direct-seed 3 months before the first fall frost date.
Can you plant kale in March?
In the spring, you can plant seeds outside immediately after the last frost. At this point, the soil will have warmed enough for germination to occur. You can continue to sow seeds until the end of May. If you are starting seedlings indoors, sow four to six weeks before the predicted last frost date.
Can you plant kale anytime?
Kale can be planted any time from 8 weeks before your average first frost date to late summer (or about 80 days before your last frost date), and can be direct sown outdoors or indoors.
What veg can I plant in February?
Ready to harvest
- Sprouting broccoli.
- Brussels sprouts.
- Cabbage.
- Celeriac.
- Leeks.
- Parsnips.
- Swede.
- Turnip.
What can you plant in February and March?
Herbs to plant in February
Start seeds of perennial herbs such as sage, oregano, and thyme if you didn’t do this in January. Start seeds of cold-hardy herbs like chives and parsley this month. They can go out in your garden in March or April since they can withstand cold weather.
What plants can be planted in February?
What to sow and plant in February
- Parsnips. If the soil has warmed up towards the end of February then try sowing parsnips.
- Broad beans. These are best sown early so the plants are well grown by the time blackfly appears.
- Salad onions. White Lisbon or Purplette can be sown directly in the soil now.
- Garlic.
- Shallots.
How cold is too cold for kale?
Kale. Kale can withstand temperatures as low as 10 degrees and is also noted for improved sweetness after frost. A very hardy vegetable, kale not only tolerates the cold, but it has no problems with insects like cabbage can have.
Can I plant kale in January?
January is also a good time to plant fruit trees. If you are having a mild winter, you can transplant seedlings of onions, broccoli, cabbage, chard, and kale.
Will kale survive a hard freeze?
Hardier plants such as spinach and kale will survive until there’s a hard freeze—28 degrees and colder. (We explain the frost tolerance level of different crops below.) As gardeners, our frost dates are based on 32 degrees to avoid the risk of any plant death.
Will kale germinate in cold weather?
According to Burpee, kale can survive even when temperatures fall to 10 below zero Fahrenheit. The plant can survive through the entire winter in areas where temperatures don’t get too cold. If you live in USDA zone 7 or above, kale will grow through the winter, according to Bonnie Plants.
How long does kale take to grow from seed?
It usually takes up to 95 days for kale to be ready after planting it from seed. Don’t pick the terminal bud at the top of the plant, but harvest one fistful of leaves each time you pick the kale. Kale can grow until temperatures reach 20 degrees, and frost adds to the taste.
Does kale regrow after winter?
In USDA Hardiness Zones 7 to 10, biennial kale will continue to produce edible leaves throughout the winter. While in colder zones, these plants will go dormant during the winter – which means their leaves may die back, but their root systems will remain alive.
Does kale need full sun?
One of the most nutritious shade loving vegetables around, kale thrives in just a few hours of sunlight per day. Kale is also extremely cold tolerant, making it a great crop for fall harvests.
What can you not plant with 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.
How do you prepare a nursery bed for kale?
Cover nursery bed with a thin layer of dry grass (mulch), which should be removed after seed germination. Water the nursery bed.
Tips!
- Kale can tolerate slightly alkaline soil and frost.
- It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily and prefers plentiful, consistent moisture.
- Some varieties are drought tolerant.
What kind of soil does kale like?
loamy
Kale and collards do best in loamy, well-drained soil with high organic matter. You can achieve acceptable kale on heavier, well-drained soil. As long as you make sure the plants are well watered, you can do the same on sandier soils.
How many kale plants should I plant?
2-7 plants
Planting a vegetable garden for a family
| Crop (number of plants per ft. of row) | Number of plants per person |
|---|---|
| Kale (10/10 ft. of row) | 2-7 plants |
| Leaf lettuce (Thin to 3 plants/ft. of row) | 24 plants |
| Melon (1 plant/6 ft. of row) | 1-2 plants |
| Onion (4 sets/ft. of row) | 12-20 sets |
Elvira Bowen is a food expert who has dedicated her life to understanding the science of cooking. She has worked in some of the world’s most prestigious kitchens, and has published several cookbooks that have become bestsellers. Elvira is known for her creative approach to cuisine, and her passion for teaching others about the culinary arts.