Heirloom Kale Seed
(Brassica oleracea)
Heirloom / Open Pollinated Kale is a short season brassica that performs best in cool weather and can tolerate frost when established. For spring planting of Kale, start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost, or direct sow after danger of hard frost. In warm climates you can plant Kale in late summer for fall harvest. In hot climates you can plant Kale in the fall for a winter harvest. Plant Kale in full sun in more mild climates, or partial shade in very hot summer climates. Sow Kale seeds ½” deep, 3″ apart, in rows 18-24″ apart. Germination should occur in 5-17 days in soil 55-75°F. When Kale plants reach 3-5″, thin to 12-18″ apart. Outer leaves can be harvested at about 8-10″ long, Avoid picking the inner leaves to avoid damaging the growing point. A light frost brings out the sweetness in fall or winter crops.