Sow indoors
April – May
Sow direct
May – June
Plant out
June – July
Harvest
October – March
Days to maturity
60–90 days
Position
Full sun
Frost sensitive
No
Min soil temp
—
Sowing and planting calendar
| Method | From | To | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sow indoors | April | May | In modules or pots. Prick out and harden off before planting. |
| Sow direct | May | June | In a seedbed. Transplant to final position 6 weeks later. |
| Plant out | June | July | 30–45cm apart depending on variety. Firm in well. |
Regional variation: Kale is one of the best crops for Scotland and northern England — its hardiness makes it ideal for exposed, cold sites. In the south, it provides harvests from October right through to April.
Growing tips
Harvest outer leaves to keep plants productive
Never strip a kale plant bare. Take 2–3 outer leaves at a time, leaving the central growing point intact. Plants will continue producing new leaves throughout winter.
Flavour improves after frost
Kale converts starches to sugars in response to cold, giving a sweeter, more complex flavour. Don't be put off by frosty leaves — they're at their best in winter.
Net against pigeons
Pigeons will strip kale plants bare overnight, particularly in winter when other food is scarce. Net thoroughly from planting. A brassica cage works well for long-term protection.
Common problems
Cabbage white caterpillars
Green caterpillars from large and small white butterflies that eat holes through leaves and can defoliate plants.
Fix: Net with fine mesh to exclude butterflies. Check undersides of leaves regularly and squash egg clusters. Pick off caterpillars by hand.
Pigeons
Wood pigeons eat kale plants to the ground, particularly in winter and early spring.
Fix: Robust netting is the only reliable solution. A brassica cage pays for itself quickly.
Cabbage aphid
Mealy grey aphids in dense colonies on leaves and in growing centres.
Fix: Squash by hand or blast with water. Ladybirds and hoverflies are natural predators.
Frequently asked questions
When should I sow kale in the UK?
Sow from April to June for a winter and spring harvest. Kale takes 6–8 weeks from sowing to transplanting, and another 2–3 months to reach picking size.
What are the best kale varieties?
Cavolo Nero (black kale) has the best flavour for cooking. Curly Scotch kale (e.g. Dwarf Green Curled) is extremely hardy. Red Russian kale is milder and good for salads.
Can I grow kale in a container?
Yes, in a large pot (at least 30cm deep). Water regularly and feed monthly. Container kale tends to be smaller than in-ground plants but still very productive.
Related guides
Keep track of your kale in Vercro
Add your kale to a bed and each morning Today shows the jobs that matter for it, from how far along it is and your local forecast. Log every pick in the Record.
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