Kale is a hardy leafy green vegetable that is part of the cabbage family. It is known for its rich, dark green leaves and its nutritional content. Kale is a cool-season crop that grows best in cooler temperatures. It can be grown in a variety of soils, but prefers well-drained, fertile soil. Kale is a low maintenance crop that is relatively pest and disease resistant. It can be harvested throughout the season, although it is best when harvested during the cooler months. Kale can be eaten raw or cooked and is a great addition to salads, soups, and other dishes.
Planning Your Garden With Kale
As you plan your garden, it's important to think about the spacing, size, light, and nutrient requirements of all of your plant and how they'll grow together.
Some plants require more water than others, while other plants require dry soil. At the same time, some plants prefer full sun, and other plants need the shade to survive.
By studying what each plant requires and planning ahead where all of your plants will grow best, you can optimize your garden space.
| Life Cycle | Kale is a biennial. |
| USDA Zone | Kale is hardy in USDA Zones 3-9. |
| Cold Tolerance | Kale is a cold-hardy vegetable and can tolerate temperatures down to 20. It can even survive light frosts and snow. |
| Days to harvest | The minimum number of days to harvest kale is usually around 45-60 days. |
| Average size | The average size of a full grown kale plant is around 24-36 inches tall and 18-24 inches wide. |
| Spacing requirements | Kale prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil. For optimal growth, it should be planted in rows spaced 12-18 inches apart with 18-24 inches between each plant. |
| Sun tolerance | Kale is a cool-season crop that prefers full sun, but can tolerate some shade. It should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth. |
| Shade tolerance | Kale is tolerant of partial shade, but it grows best in full sun. It can tolerate shade in the morning and afternoon, but it should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to produce the best quality leaves. |
| Water requirements | Kale plants need at least 1-2 inches of water per week, either from rainfall or from supplemental irrigation. They prefer moist, well-drained soil and should not be allowed to dry out completely. Kale plants should be watered deeply and evenly, and it is important to avoid wetting the foliage to prevent disease. |
| Fertilizer | The amount of fertilizer you should use when growing kale depends on the type of fertilizer you are using and the soil conditions. Generally, a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 is recommended. Apply 1/2 to 1 pound of fertilizer per 100 square feet of garden space. |
| Soil pH | The optimum pH for growing kale is 6.0 to 6.5. |
Why Kale is Popular
People like to grow kale because it is easy to grow, highly nutritious, and can be harvested multiple times throughout the season. Kale is also very versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. It is also a great source of vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and calcium.
Companion Plants For Kale
Companion planting is a great way to maximize your garden space and get the most out of your plants. By planting certain plants together, you can help each other thrive. In some cases, you can even help each other repel pests.
Popular companion plants for kale include:
Common Pests For Kale
Plant pests are a common problem for gardeners. By understanding what pests are common for your plants, you can take steps to prevent them from damaging your plants.
When you grow kale, keep an eye out for these common pests:
- harlequin bugs
- snails
- flea beetles
- slugs
- aphids
- whiteflies
- cabbage loopers
- spider mites
- beetles
- cutworms
USDA Zones
USDA zones are a popular way of determining which plants can grow in your area. Zones tell you when your average first and last frost date are, as well as how cold you can expect it to get in the winter.
Our site works best if you choose your zone from the list below. If you do not know your USDA zone, then you can use our zone map.
