PLANTING OUTSIDE: To find out how late you can transplant your kale seedlings, you’ll need to find your first frost date. You can transplant your kale seedlings up to 25 days until your first frost date to get “baby” kale, and about 50 days before your first frost date to get harvests of large, “bunching” kale.
Can you move a mature kale plant?
Very carefully with a shovel dig the plant out. If you feel like you are snagging on a plant root, trace it with your hands and dig it out – careful, try not to rip any roots! This is one kale plant dug up. Once you dig it up, replant it in a large pot.
Does kale like being transplanted?
But starting with a transplant has its benefits, too. For one thing, it gives you a head start, since you don’t have to wait for the seeds to germinate. Starting with a transplant can also be a better choice if you have limited room in your garden or can’t start seeds indoors.
When should kale be transplanted?
Seedlings should be ready to transplant in 4–6 weeks. If possible, keep soil temperature over 75°F (24°C) until germination, then reduce air temperature to about 60°F (16°C). Transplant outdoors 12–18″ apart in rows 18–36″ apart.
How big should kale be before transplanting?
Cut individual leaves for use when the plant is 8 to 10 inches high; cut the outside leaves first. If you harvest the entire plant, cut 2 inches above the soil and the plant will sprout new leaves in 1 to 2 weeks. Harvest kale before it gets old and tough.
How long do kale plants last?
Kale will grow for up to 2 years in your garden. The first year of growth gives you plenty of delicious leaves. In the second year, your plants will focus on producing seeds. Grow your kale as annuals if you just want leaves from your plants.
How big do kale plants get?
1–2 ft. tall
From Seed to Leafy Greens Indoors or Outdoors
| Common Name | Kale, ornamental kale |
|---|---|
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Plant Type | Annual, biennial, vegetable |
| Mature Size | 1–2 ft. tall, 1–2 ft. wide |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun, partial sun |
How long does it take for kale to grow?
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. The small, tender leaves can be eaten raw.
Does kale regrow after cutting?
Does kale regrow after picking? When kale is harvested carefully, it works as a cut and come again vegetable that grows back to regenerate its leaves for multiple harvests. For your kale to grow back, harvest the oldest leaves first—the ones on the outside of the plant at the base.
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.
How do you trim kale so it keeps growing?
On a kale plant, this is the central portion of the plant where stems converge and new growth emerges. To allow new growth, cut the stems above the growth point. To do this, cut just below where the stem connects to the larger leaves. This will leave the smaller ones intact so the plant can continue growing.
What do you do with bolted kale?
If you think your kale is bolting, pick the leaves immediately, before they have before they begin to change texture and flavor. Lightly massaging the leaves can help restore some of the sweetness that might have been lost.
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.
Does kale need full sun?
Kale grows best in full sun, but will tolerate partial shade as well. Plants that receive fewer than 6 hours of sun daily will not be as stocky or leafy as those that get ample sun, but they will still be plenty edible! Like collards, kale likes fertile soil to grow fast and produce tender leaves.
How often should you water kale?
How Often Should I Water Kale? Kale, like other leafy vegetables, requires a fair amount of water to thrive and grow. You should give your kale plants around 1 to 1.5 inches of water every week. This equates to around 1 gallon of water per square foot of soil (4 liters per 30 square centimeters).
Can kale grow in shade?
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 temperature can kale tolerate?
Hot weather in mid-to-late summer will turn kale bitter. 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.
How many times can you harvest kale?
There is no limit on how many times you can harvest Kale if you follow the correct harvesting steps. If your plant is kept healthy and you avoid picking or damaging the central bud the plant will continue to grow and you can pick fresh leaves every two weeks.
Should you let 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.
How do you overwinter kale?
Harvest from late October through March by clipping the leaves from the bottom up. It may not be necessary to protect kale if the plants are fully harvested by the time the coldest winter temperatures hit. Kale plants of varying size can be kept overwinter in low tunnels, for harvest in early spring.
Where is kale grown best?
Kale grows best in full sun to partial shade. Plan to provide your kale plants at least 6 to 7 hours of direct sun per day. If you’re growing kale in the spring with hot summer weather on the horizon (regularly over 90°F), consider a planting location that receives some afternoon shade.
Lorraine Wade is all about natural food. She loves to cook and bake, and she’s always experimenting with new recipes. Her friends and family are the lucky beneficiaries of her culinary skills! Lorraine also enjoys hiking and exploring nature. She’s a friendly person who loves to chat with others, and she’s always looking for ways to help out in her community.