A dark-leaved, intensely-curled, fully winter hardy variety which stands well without yellowing and can be picked for much of the year from successional sowings. Although mainly used in winter as mature leaves, it can also be used in summer as tasty 'baby' leaves. RHS Award of Garden Merit winner. The most reliable, nutritious winter vegetable. Withstands adverse weather conditions to yield a good crop of delicious young foliage and sideshoots in winter and spring.
Tom says: Kale has had a huge resurgence in recent years thanks to it's incredibly high nutritional values, so much so that we've seen headlines like "Kale shortage imminent". Easy to grow, incredibly productive and with a multitude of colours and leaf shapes... what's not to like?
Growing Information
Sow indoors in cell trays or small pots. Grow on and transplant when seedlings are between 6-8 weeks old planting out 50cm (20") between plants each way. Alternatively, sow April to June, direct into a finely raked seedbed at a depth of 13mm (½"). Transfer when large enough to handle leaving 50cm (20") between plants each way. Water in well if the soil is dry. Grows best on firm ground deeply dug and liberally manured the previous autumn. Use both leaves and stems. Sowing to Cropping: 24-28 weeks.
Sowing Information
Sow indoors in cell trays or small pots. Grow on and transplant when seedlings are between 6-8 weeks old planting out 50cm (20") between plants each way. Alternatively, sow April to June, direct into a finely raked seedbed at a depth of 13mm (½"). Transfer when large enough to handle leaving 50cm (20") between plants each way. Water in well if the soil is dry. Grows best on firm ground deeply dug and liberally manured the previous autumn. Use both leaves and stems. Sowing to Cropping: 24-28 weeks.
