Kale
Brassica oleracea var. sabellica
Family: Brassicaceae
Kale grows in full sun to partial shade and prefers fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Water needs: Moderate; keep soil consistently moist.
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How to Grow Kale
Kale growing information includes sunlight requirements of Full sun to partial shade, soil conditions listed as Fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter with a soil pH of 6.0-7.5, and Moderate; keep soil consistently moist water needs. The listed hardiness zones are 2-11 as an annual crop. For propagation reference, the database lists germination or establishment information for Kale as 5-10 days, with planting or establishment depth listed as 1/4-1/2 inch. Days to maturity are listed as 50-75 days for mature leaves; baby leaves sooner.
Plant Overview
Kale (Brassica oleracea var. sabellica) is listed in the Brassicaceae family and categorized as a vegetable with a biennial grown as an annual life cycle. This profile summarizes growing information for hardiness, light, soil, water, seed starting, maturity, and other available cultivation details. Difficulty is listed as Easy.
- Plant ID
- PLT-0024
- Family
- Brassicaceae
- Plant type
- Vegetable
- Life cycle
- Biennial grown as an annual
- Alternate names
- Leaf cabbage
- Growth habit
- Upright leafy cool-season brassica that does not form a tight head
- Mature height
- Approximately 1-3 ft depending on cultivar
- Mature spread
- Approximately 1-2 ft
- Difficulty
- Easy
Growing Conditions
Kale is listed for full sun to partial shade conditions. Water needs are listed as moderate; keep soil consistently moist. The database soil reference is Fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. The listed soil pH range is 6.0-7.5, and the listed hardiness range is 2-11 as an annual crop.
- Hardiness zones
- 2-11 as an annual crop
- Sunlight
- Full sun to partial shade
- Soil
- Fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter
- Soil pH
- 6.0-7.5
- Water needs
- Moderate; keep soil consistently moist
- Plant spacing
- 12-18 inches
Seed & Germination
For seed starting, the listed germination time is 5-10 days and the seed depth is 1/4-1/2 inch. The listed time to maturity is 50-75 days for mature leaves; baby leaves sooner. Use these values as general reference points and adjust for local climate, seed source, and growing conditions.
- Germination
- 5-10 days
- Germination temperature
- About 45-85°F; strongest germination near 60-75°F
- Seed depth
- 1/4-1/2 inch
- Sowing method
- Start indoors or direct sow for cool-season production
- Start indoors
- Usually 4-6 weeks before transplanting
- Transplanting
- Transplant during cool weather after plants develop several true leaves
Harvest & Propagation
- Days to maturity
- 50-75 days for mature leaves; baby leaves sooner
- Harvest
- Harvest outer leaves as needed while leaving the growing center intact; young leaves can be harvested earlier
- Propagation
- Primarily by seed
- Pollination
- Insect-pollinated when allowed to flower
Garden Information
- Common pests
- Cabbage worms, cabbage loopers, aphids, flea beetles and cutworms
- Common diseases
- Clubroot, black rot, downy mildew and leaf spot
- Uses
- Fresh eating, salads, cooking, soups, smoothies and freezing
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Growing Reference Note
Plant performance can vary with climate, soil, weather, cultivar, seed quality, and gardening methods. The values on this page are general database reference ranges rather than a substitute for local extension guidance or seed-packet instructions.