Brassica oleracea var. sabellica

Sowing and cultivation tips

Brassica oleracea var. sabellica seeds thrive in full sun to light shade and fertile, well-drained soil with consistent moisture. Start indoors before the last frost for a head start, transplanting once frost danger has passed; alternatively, direct sow when soil is workable. In mild climates, late-summer to autumn sowings support cool-season growth. Allow ample space for good air flow and for full rosettes to develop on these medium-tall plants. Keep the root zone evenly moist and mulch to moderate temperature and reduce evaporation. Enrich the bed with organic matter before planting and remove tired lower leaves to maintain hygiene. Harvest progressively to encourage new leaf production through the cool season.

• Sow indoors before the last frost; transplant after frost danger. Direct sow when soil is workable.
• In mild climates, sow late summer to autumn for cool-season harvests.
• Provide full sun to light shade and fertile, well-drained soil with consistent moisture.
• Space generously for good air flow and to accommodate full rosettes; medium-tall plants may need support in exposed sites.
• Edible leaves; pick outer foliage as plants mature for continued growth.
• Suitable for deep containers; best in a large-volume container with regular watering.

How do I grow curly kale (Brassica oleracea var. sabellica) from seed?

Sow 2–3 seeds per cell or station about 0.5–1 cm deep in moist, fine-textured mix, then thin to the strongest seedling. Kale germinates best in cool to mild conditions; keep evenly moist and provide bright light to prevent leggy growth. Transplant or thin to final spacing once seedlings have 3–4 true leaves. Maintain consistent moisture, mulch to steady soil temperature, and keep beds weed-free. As plants mature, remove lower leaves to improve airflow and support stems if wind-exposed to help medium-tall rosettes stay upright.

When should I sow kale seeds after the last frost, and how do I plan for an autumn harvest?

Start seeds indoors before the last frost and transplant once all frost danger has passed. Direct sow outdoors when soil is workable and has warmed slightly. For an autumn or cool-season harvest, sow in late summer; in mild climates, sowing can continue into autumn for winter cropping and possible overwintering. Stagger sowings every 2–3 weeks to extend harvests. In warm spells, offer light shade and steady moisture; in colder periods, use cloches or row covers to speed establishment and protect young plants.

What soil and light conditions are best for kale, and can it grow in partial shade?

Kale thrives in full sun to light shade; 6 or more hours of direct sun promotes sturdy growth, while partial shade is acceptable in hotter periods or for tender leaves, though growth will be slower. Choose fertile, well-drained soil that holds consistent moisture; enrich with plenty of mature compost and avoid waterlogging. A slightly acidic to neutral pH is suitable. Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds, and water deeply during dry spells to prevent stress that can lead to tougher leaves and reduced vigor.

How should I space kale in the garden, and how tall does it get?

For full-size curly kale, space plants 30–45 cm (12–18 in) apart in rows 45–60 cm (18–24 in) apart, allowing room for broad rosettes and good airflow. For baby-leaf production, reduce spacing to about 20 cm (8 in). Plants are typically medium-tall, maturing around 45–90 cm (18–36 in) depending on variety and growing conditions. Firm the soil around transplants, keep stems tidy by removing lower leaves, and consider stakes in exposed sites to support taller growth and maintain healthy spacing.

Is it better to start kale indoors or direct sow, and what about containers?

Starting indoors offers a head start in short seasons and helps avoid early pest pressure; transplant after hardening off for 7–10 days once frost risk has passed. Direct sowing is simple and avoids transplant shock, but requires diligent thinning and early pest protection. For containers, use at least 15–20 L (3–5 gal) per plant with 25–30 cm (10–12 in) depth, a high-quality, well-draining mix, and regular watering and feeding. One plant per pot yields best-sized leaves; closer spacing suits baby-leaf harvests.

How do I harvest kale leaves continuously and protect plants from cabbage butterflies?

Begin picking outer leaves when they reach 10–15 cm (4–6 in), leaving the central growth point to keep plants producing; frequent, modest harvests encourage steady regrowth. For baby leaves, cut above the crown to allow repeated flushes. To deter cabbage butterflies, cover crops with fine mesh or floating row covers from early on, inspect leaf undersides for eggs and remove them, and handpick caterpillars promptly. Keep beds tidy and rotate brassica plantings between seasons to reduce pest buildup.

This guidance provides a general overview. Microclimate, soil type, drainage, and exposure can influence performance and timing, such as sowing after last frost or when soil is workable. Local conditions can affect how sowing and care advice applies. Product pages provide detailed instructions tailored to each variety, including sowing depth, spacing, and timing.

Cultivation notes and parent resource

Brassica oleracea var. sabellica seeds favour cool, consistent conditions. Start under cover when soil is workable, or direct sow after last frost; in mild climates, autumn sowing may be possible. Sow 0.5–1 cm deep in fertile, well-drained soil, spacing plants 40–50 cm apart with 45–60 cm between rows. Germination is reliable in cool to moderate temperatures; steady moisture supports even emergence. Transplant when seedlings have several true leaves, keeping the crown at soil level. Plants benefit from mulching, regular watering, and balanced nutrition from composted organic matter. Provide full sun in cooler periods and light shade during heat. Tolerates light frosts once established. Begin harvesting outer leaves when they reach usable size, allowing the centre to continue growing; regular picking encourages compact, leafy plants over a long season. Consider mesh covers where insect pressure is high. For origin details and the parent collection, see SeedsChoice.