Grow Kale in Zone 6

MMM fresh kale greens. Kale is a nutrition superstar and is high in minerals and vitamins and rich in antioxidants. In fact, kale is one of the best survival foods you can grow.

Kale is very productive and very hardy. I often grow it like a green but it's in the brassica family along with cabbage and broccoli.

Thomas Jefferson was famous well for being president but also for his work in agriculture. He wrote several papers on growing kale.

Extend the Season

Kale is fabulous for extending the season. Here I have red bore and Siberian kale as well as red cabbage under some row cover that I planted in early spring.

Kale will tolerate frost and light snow. It will die back when temps get below 32 consistently. Providing a heavy layer of straw mulch around plants will help extend the season.

In early fall plant Lacinato kale in an unheated greenhouse. Another good winter variety is Winterbore. It will keep growing till the nights get below freezing.

Varieties

Lacintino

Lacintino kale also known as dinosaur kale is very productive but for me, they have been more prone to insect pests than other varieties. They have a nutty flavor. Black magic is a good variety and takes 65 days till harvest. Dinosaur kale gets pretty tall 2 - 3 feet.

RedBor

Redbor has red stems, curly leaves, and a peppery sweet flavor. It holds up well in cooking. Great for fall and early winter. 55 days to maturity.

Red Russian

This is my favorite kale. Red Russian. It has a sweet flavor with delicate leaves that work well in salads and is very easy to grow. It also grows quickly and I often plant it with cutting lettuces for salads. It takes 29 days for baby; and 45 days for full size.

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Growing Kale

Seed Starting

Start seeds 4-6 weeks before your last frost. For zone 6B I start seeds indoors about March 1st since I plant them out under row cover.

You can also direct seed in early spring or late summer. They need a minimum germination soil temperature of 40 F but will take longer to germinate when it's colder. Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep.

Kales's ideal growing temperature is 55–75°F. Once the weather starts to exceed 75°F/24°C they will become unhappy. Shadecloth or a shady location can keep kale going through the summer although in summer it reacts to the heat by bolting or developing a bitter flavor.

Plant in full sun and water it in well. Have at least 3-4 plants per household member. Kale is pretty flexible when it comes to pH levels.

If you are planting for leaf harvest or for baby kale you can plant much closer together. For full-size plants place 12 inches apart in rows 18 inches apart.

Fertilizer

Kale likes rich soil so lots of compost. They also need calcium so bone meal is a good additive. Greensand will add nutrients and loosen up clay soil.

I fertilize with fish emulsion when I transplant.

Mulch

Mulching is great for conserving water and in the fall can help protect plants from frost.

So I took this picture on March 23 of kale transplants going in. You can see the wire hoops and row cover in the background. These were used to cover the plants and protect it from spring frosts. And yes, this was quite early but I like to push the limits!

Containers and Raised Beds

Smaller varieties of kale do very well in containers. Here's my fav red Russian growing. Also dwarf Siberian and Dwarf Blue curled are great in small spaces.

Kale has deep roots so will appreciate a raised bed at least 8 inches deep.

Kale does well with other crops. I like to plant it with lettuce however remember as far as rotation it's a brassica.

Pests

Both aphids and White fly go after kale. Soapy water and a good squirt from the hose works well. Neem is great for a bad infestation.

Those curly leaf varieties can attract bugs who think it's a good hiding place. Inspect them often and spray them with a hose is you see bugs.

Flea beetles love kale. Check out my video on dealing with them.

Tiger moth caterpillars may be seen on kale plants. They do not do near the damage as cabbage moths. The Tiger moth actually converts alkaloids from host plants into toxins so many birds will not eat them.

They need to be hand-picked when they are this caterpillar size. But wear gloves because some species can irritate your skin. If you are in the UK some species of this moth are protected because they are also very good pollinators.

Harvest

Harvest kale leaves when they reach the size you desire.

Hot weather will cause broccoli to bolt and form flower heads. The leaf quality goes down and they start to develop a bitter flavor.

Kale is very nutritious. One cup of kale provides more Vitamin C than a glass of orange juice, more calcium than a cup of milk, more potassium than a banana, and, per calorie, more iron than a steak.

Kale may be used in textured salads, steamed or braised as a side dish, mixed in omelets, lasagna, and stews, and made into chips.

Kale Salad:

Massage kale leaves with olive oil to soften them.

Add diced tomatoes, cucumbers, and your favorite nuts or seeds.

Toss with a tasty vinaigrette.

Smoothies:

Blend kale with fruits like banana, berries, and a splash of almond milk.

Add a scoop of protein powder for an extra nutritional boost.

Kale Chips:

Tear kale into bite-sized pieces.

Toss with olive oil, salt, and your favorite seasonings.

Bake until crispy for a healthy snack.

Sautéed Kale:

Heat olive oil in a pan, add minced garlic.

Sauté kale until wilted but still vibrant.

Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice.

Kale Pesto:

Blend kale with basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, and olive oil.

Use it as a sauce for pasta, sandwiches, or a flavorful dip.

Kale Wraps:

Use large kale leaves as a substitute for tortillas.

Fill them with hummus, roasted veggies, and your protein of choice.

Kale and Potato Soup:

Combine kale with potatoes, onions, and vegetable broth.

Season with herbs like thyme and rosemary for a hearty soup.

Stir-Fry:

Add kale to your favorite stir-fry recipe for a nutrient-packed twist.

Pair it with tofu, chicken, or shrimp.

Kale and Quinoa Bowl:

Mix cooked quinoa with sautéed kale, cherry tomatoes, and feta cheese.

Drizzle with a lemony dressing.

Kale Smoothie Bowl:

Blend kale with frozen fruits and yogurt for a thick smoothie.

Top with granola, nuts, and fresh berries.

Remember, the key is to experiment and find what works best for your taste preferences. Enjoy the journey of discovering new and delicious ways to incorporate kale into your meals!