Online Vegetable Seeds Catalogue

Sds/g: 300                             Feed Requirements: Low                                   Usual Seed Life: 3-4 years

Cultural Notes:

• Kale is a great cold hardy vegetable that provides highly nutritious greens through winter. It has all the great health benefits of the brassicas (refer box) and is an excellent source of beta-carotone/vitamen A and vitamin C ( 1 cup provides over 190%  and 88% respectively of our daily requirement).
• Kale is relatively easy to grow and only needs a moderate amount of fertiliser and compost, just do not plant too close and keep well weeded when getting established.
• Good spacing for winter aids good air flow helping prevent any mildew and aphids.
• Plant 10 – 12 weeks prior to your first frost for a good winter crop of greens. 4-6 full grown plants should see a family through the frostiest valley or highland winters.

Problems:

• Some Dipel may be needed to control the white grubs when you see the white butterfly hovering about.

Harvest:

• Use leaves soon after they are cut as they become less flavoursome and a bit tough if left too long. As autumn and winter progress they increase in eating quality as the cold and frost tend to enhance their sweetness.
• Leaf growth in late winter and early spring occurs earlier than most other spring plants and make delicious eating. In September the seed stalks and flower heads can be used like broccoli.