Ornamental Cabbage Pink - Kale

Botanical name: Brassica oleracea acephala
Plant type: Vegetable
Sun exposure: Full Sun
Bloom time: Varies

Kale is a hardy, cool-season green that is part of the cabbage family. It grows best in the spring and fall and can tolerate all fall frosts. Kale can be used in salads or as a garnish and is rich in minerals and vitamins A and C.
 
Planting

• You can plant kale anytime from early spring to early summer. If you plant kale late in the summer you can harvest it from fall until the ground freezes in winter.
• Mix 1-1/2 cups of 5-10-10 fertilizer per 25 feet of row into the top 3 to 4 inches of soil.
• Plant the seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep into well-drained, light soil.
• After about 2 weeks, thin the seedlings so that they are spaced 8 to 12 inches apart.

Care

• Water the plants regularly but be sure not to overwater them.
• Mulch the soil heavily after the first hard freeze; the plants may continue to produce leaves throughout the winter.

Harvest/Storage

• Kale is ready to harvest when the leaves are about the size of your hand.
• Pick about one fistful of leaves per harvest. Avoid picking the terminal bud (found at the top center of the plant) because this will help to keep the plant productive.
• The small, tender leaves can be eaten uncooked and used in salads.
• Cut and cook the larger leaves like spinach, but be sure to remove the ribs before cooking.
• You can store kale as you would any other leafy green; put the kale in a plastic bag and store it in the refrigerator. It should last about 1 week.