Kale has been cultivated in Germany for several hundred years. Most varieties are very hardy and can be harvested throughout the winter. Learn how to plant and care for kale so you can enjoy a bountiful harvest.

Kale is planted outdoors from the end of May

Kale is very robust and undemanding in terms of location and care. However, you should try to provide it with the best conditions so that it can thrive.

Where is kale planted?

Kale grows best in a sunny spot and humus rich, medium-heavy clay soil. It is particularly important that the soil is not too acidic and that there are sufficient nutrients.

The correct pH value in the soil

If the soil is too acidic, the kale will not thrive and will not thrive. But how do you know if your soil is acidic? On the one hand, you can carry out a soil sample or you can pay attention to indicator plants. The following plants indicate an acidic soil: tussocks, willow saffron, bracken, speedwell, daisies, rabbit clover, wild radish, hollow tooth, chamomile, wood sorrel, small meadow sorrel, holly, purple pansy, woolly honey grass.
If these plants are numerous in your garden, the soil is probably quite acidic. In this case, before planting your kale, you should dig in some lime to neutralize the pH.

Observe crop rotation

Kale should be planted in a location where no cabbage has been grown for at least three years. This also applies the other way around: after the second year, no cabbage may be planted at that location for three years.

When to plant kale

Since kale is only harvested in winter, it is sown quite late. So you can sow the seeds directly outdoors after the ice saints in May. Alternatively, you can also grow the kale in front of the windowsill from the beginning of May and plant the 5 to 10 cm large plants in the bed at the end of May.

With which plant neighbors does kale get along well?

As with all vegetables, you should also pay attention to the right plant neighbors with kale, because it does not get along with everyone.
Good neighbors are:

  • beans
  • peas
  • cucumbers
  • leek
  • radish
  • rhubarb
  • salad
  • celery
  • spinach
  • tomatoes

He gets along badly with:

  • other types of cabbage
  • potatoes
  • garlic
  • onions

What planting distance must be observed?

Depending on the type of cabbage, kale can grow up to a meter or even taller! He needs space for that. Therefore, a planting distance of 40 to 50 cm from one plant to the next must be maintained. Here you will find an overview of the kale varieties and their growth height.

Caring for kale properly

Kale needs adequate water and nutrients to develop its relatively thick, curly leaves. It is therefore important to ensure adequate watering during the entire growth phase. Irrigation ditches or a sprinkler system make the work easier.
A second fertilization should be carried out in summer. Horn meal or horn shavings (32.93€) are better suited for this than compost, as they contain more nitrogen and less phosphate, which is usually sufficiently available in the soil

Protect kale from pests

The cabbage fly is the biggest enemy of kale. A vegetable net can provide preventive protection or prevent a new infestation. Good watering prevents another enemy, the flea beetle. You can find out how to deal with a pest infestation here.

Harvest kale

Kale is known to be harvested in winter. It needs cold for a few days, at best frost, so that the content of bitter substances decreases and the sugar content increases. Kale can be harvested in snow and cold from October to February. Therefore, only ever harvest the outer leaves so that the kale continues to grow. However, if it is permanently very cold, the kale will stop growing.

Key facts at a glance

  • Sow: End of May outdoors, beginning of May on a windowsill
  • Planting time: May - June
  • Location: sunny, humus rich, nutritious
  • Planting distance: 40 to 50cm
  • Plant neighbors: vegetables other than potatoes, other types of cabbage, garlic and onions
  • Kale care: water regularly, fertilize twice
  • Harvest of kale: from October to February

Category:

Vegetable garden