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How to Grow Kale

Kale (Brassica oleracea)

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πŸ› οΈ Supplies You'll Need

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🌿 Plant Overview

Scientific Name Brassica oleracea
Category vegetable
Type Leaf
Days to Maturity 55 days
Starting Method Direct Sow

β˜€οΈ Growing Requirements

β˜€οΈ

Sun

Full Sun to Partial Shade

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Water

Regular (1-1.5 inches/week)

↔️

Spacing

18" apart

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Depth

0.5" deep

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Height

18-24"

🌱

Germination

5-10 days

Ready to Grow Kale?

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🀝 Good Companions

BeetCeleryCucumberDillOnion

⚠️ Avoid Planting Near

StrawberryTomato

Kale Planting Calendar by Zone

Kale Planting Calendar by State

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Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Kale? +

Sow Kale seeds directly in the garden 6 weeks before your last frost date. Use the search on this page to find exact dates for your location.

How long does Kale take to grow? +

Kale typically matures in about 55 days from planting. Exact timing varies by variety, soil conditions, and local climate.

Should I start Kale indoors or direct sow? +

Kale does best when direct sown outdoors. Plant seeds directly in the garden at the appropriate time based on your local frost dates.

How much sun does Kale need? +

Kale requires full sun to partial shade to thrive.

How far apart should I plant Kale? +

Space Kale plants 18 inches apart to allow adequate airflow and root development.

How much water does Kale need? +

Kale has regular (1-1.5 inches/week) water needs. Consistent moisture is important especially during germination and early growth.

About Kale

Hardy leafy green that sweetens after frost. Harvest outer leaves for continuous production.

Expect your Kale to be ready for harvest in approximately 55 days from planting.

Use the search above or browse by zone or state to find the perfect planting dates for your location.