I have no experience with kale not planted from seed so I took a couple of those too, because why not. The chard is doing great. My … Read more ». Otherwise, yes, you could allow them to finish flowering and collect the seeds for replanting. It is still healthy and growing strong.
My question is regarding the stalk. Is there a way to get the leaves to start growing down lower on the stalk at this point? Hi Adrienne! Once the stalk has gotten that tall and is sprouting at the top like a palm tree perfect description!
Your garden sounds incredible, what other plants do you have going besides kale? Thanks for the reply! I just started some new kale seedlings. Two kale plants produce well, but it will be nice to have extra to add to smoothies. I have already harvested two nice sized broccoli florets, and now little ones are appearing. Any advice from you will be so appreciated! Tomatoes … Read more ».
The harvest period usually occurs once in late spring or early summer, and again in autumn. Grab Some Greenery Now that you know how to pick them, go out and get yourself some of these nutritious greens. Pick individual leaves by cutting or snapping them off the main stalk. Kale can produce for a month or longer if you just harvest individual leaves, but eventually leaf production either slows, the plant goes to seed, or temperatures drop below 20 degrees and the plant dies.
Pick the entire plant before it dies or goes to seed by cutting off the main stalk near soil level. Once the plant is harvested, you can strip off the individual leaves to use immediately, or store them in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to three days. Jenny Harrington has been a freelance writer since Her published articles have appeared in various print and online publications. Previously, she owned her own business, selling handmade items online, wholesale and at crafts fairs.
Harrington's specialties include small business information, crafting, decorating and gardening. Planting, Growing, and Harvesting Kale. By Catherine Boeckmann. When to Plant Kale Kale seeds can be started indoors or sown directly in the garden. For an early summer harvest, direct-sow seeds outdoors as soon as the soil is workable in the spring. For a fall or winter harvest, direct-sow seeds about three months before your first fall frost date. In early spring, young kale plants can be set out in the garden 3 to 5 weeks before the last spring frost date.
For a fall harvest, young kale plants can be set out 6 to 8 weeks before the first fall frost. In zones 8, 9, and 10, kale can be planted later in the fall and even into winter. Choosing and Preparing a Planting Site Kale does best in full sun, but does tolerate partial shade.
The soil pH should ideally be 6. Test your pH with a kit from your local cooperative extension office or garden store Based on the soil test, amend your soil with nitrogen-rich compost or blood meal. Soil needs to drain well and also be enriched for tender leaves. After about 2 weeks, thin the seedlings so that they are spaced 8 to 12 inches apart.
Kale likes to have plenty of space to stretch out. Space 18 to 24 inches apart. After planting, water plants well. Check out this video to learn how to grow kale:.
If rain is inconsistent, provide 1 to 1. Regularly feed kale with a continuous-release plant food. Mulch the soil again heavily after the first hard freeze in the fall; the plants may continue to produce leaves throughout the winter. Cabbageworms are a common pest. Chewed holes are the sign of the green cabbage worm. Flea beetles Cabbage Aphids are easily solved with a spray of insecticidal soap but keep your eye out for these tiny bugs which will be clustered between the leaves.
How to Harvest Kale Kale is ready to harvest when the leaves are about the size of your hand. Pick about one fistful of leaves per harvest. Start harvesting the oldest leaves firt from the lowest section of the plant.
Discard any yellowed or torn leaves. Avoid picking the terminal bud found at the top center of the plant because this will help to keep the plant productive. It tastes even sweeter with a touch of frost. See local frost dates. If you wish to extend your harvest, shield your kale from the cold with row covers. Or, create a makeshift cover with tarps and old blankets propped up by hay bales. Here are a few more season-extending ideas. 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 tough ribs before cooking. How to Store Kale You can store kale as you would any other leafy green; put the kale in a loose plastic produce bag and store it in the refrigerator.
It should last about 1 week. It also has curly, blue-green leaves. The chill of a moderate frost or light snow improves the flavor of kale. Kale has a number of health benefits , as it is rich in minerals and vitamins A and C. Vegetable Gardener's Handbook. What do you want to read next? Whenever you harvest, keep an eye out for yellow or spotted leaves.
Remove these leaves immediately. Left on the plant, dead or ill leaves take up energy that could otherwise be going towards healthy leaves and extending your harvest. If you see yellow, spotted, or wilted leaves consistently, your plant is in distress. Consider whether it could be caused by common kale pests like cabbage worms or aphids or simply overwatering. Extend your kale harvest by simply shielding your plant from the weather. The good news about the cold is that it will transform your container garden kit into a mini-fridge!
Your kale will last longer in the cold ground than it would otherwise and allow you to harvest into winter if you can protect the outside with a cover. Simply reach under the cover to harvest. Another option is to cover up and leave it until spring — if you have a cold enough winter, it may survive and begin growing again come warmer weather!
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