Protect the plants from birds by covering them with netting or fleece. Scarecrows and bird-scaring mechanisms work for a while, but the most reliable method of protection is to cover plants with horticultural fleece or mesh.
White larvae approximately 5cm 2in long, feed on the roots just below the soil surface, stunting growth and causing plants to wilt and die. A number of caterpillars will feed on brassicas, but the most common are those of cabbage white butterflies. You will usually see the caterpillars, if not, you will see the holes they make in the leaves. They will also bore into the heart of cabbages. In mild attacks, or if you have only a few plants, you may be able to pick the caterpillars off.
Insect-proof mesh or fine netting mm mesh can prevent egg-laying. Side-shoots are formed after the main crown is harvested and these are ready for use in February and March. Masterchef judge Greg Wallace uses kale, Swiss chard, spinach or spring greens to make delicious and healthy chilli greens.
Buy now. Take action Why take action? Support us Donate Careers Commercial opportunities Leave a legacy. Join the RHS today and support our charitable work Join now. Hot links Browse inspiration articles Buy plants online. Buy tickets. RHS members get reduced ticket prices Join now. Harlow Carr North Yorkshire. Hyde Hall Essex. Rosemoor Devon. The cultivated kale of today is related to wild, primitive cabbages dating back over years to the Mediterranean and the Asia Minor regions.
It arrived in Europe and the Americas through various trade routes. It is from the Acephala meaning without a head variety of the Brassica family and is derived from borecole. It is a biennial crop that is easy to grow. Kale is a popular vegetable found on many grocery store shelves, either bunched or prepackaged for the consumer.
Until recently, kale has been used primarily as a garnish, but today it is a major nutrition staple used in salad mixes or as a standalone ingredient. It ranges in color from dark green to purple. There are three major varieties of kale: Curly, also known as Scotch , Toscono, and Siberian. Curly kale is the most widely sold and consumed variety and has dark, green leaves with frilly edges and a coarse texture.
Toscano kale, also known as dinosaur kale, is an heirloom variety with a dark, blackish color and is popular with many direct market outlets. Siberian kale has tender, blue-green leaves with ruffled edges. It has the mildest flavor of the three varieties. Although kale is predominately grown in California and Georgia, it thrives in almost any environment where there is a cool fall growing season. In fact, a light frost has been known to enhance the sweetness of this green.
Kale is an easy vegetable to incorporate into the local food system because of its versatility, popularity, and health benefits. As with all leafy greens, kale is susceptible to contamination by foodborne pathogens and has been associated with outbreaks of Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella species. Most of the outbreaks and subsequent recalls thus far have involved prepackaged salad or vegetable mixes, which often include kale.
In , Dole Fresh Vegetables, Inc. The Public Health Agency of Canada also reported illnesses. Pacific Coast Fruit company also issued a voluntary recall. In , Osage Gardens Inc. Routine FDA testing of finished product yielded Salmonella and prompted the recall and temporary production cessation.
Implicated products were distributed to Whole Foods stores in Colorado and Kansas. The Micro Greens product includes a mixture of kales, collards, mustards, beets, amaranth, herbs, and other greens.
No illnesses were reported. CRF issued a voluntary recall, which was later expanded, of frozen vegetable and fruit products produced at its processing facility in Pasco, Washington. The recall included more than products sold under 42 brand names, as well as at least other products prepared by other companies using CRF ingredients.
In , CC Kitchens salad and slaw kits were voluntarily recalled as a precautionary measure after environmental testing at a leafy greens processor yielded Listeria monocytogenes. No contamination of product or illnesses were reported. Potentially contaminated products were distributed to multiple retailers and produce companies that distribute products under multiple brand names throughout the U. The majority of kale is grown domestically in California and Georgia, and a large portion of kale production is certified organic.
Their difference comes in their taste. Kale is generally stronger, with a bitter and earthy flavor. And chard is a much more mild green. Expect to wait approximately two months for your kale plants to mature from seeds. Check the days to maturity on your seed packet or plant label for more precise timing. Spring-planted kale will be good for harvesting throughout the summer months, but it's especially tasty after a light frost. You can harvest young kale leaves to use fresh in salads or allow your plants to mature for use as a cooked green.
Remove the older outer leaves, and allow the center of the plant to continue producing. Kale will keep in the refrigerator, ideally in the crisper drawer, for about a week. Kale is easy to keep in pots. Not only does this make the plant mobile so that you can move it into adequate sunlight and protect it from severe weather as needed, but it also helps to protect it from garden critters, such as rabbits, that might munch on the leaves. Select a pot with at least a inch diameter.
It also should have ample drainage holes. An unglazed clay container is a good option because it will allow excess soil moisture to escape through its walls, helping to prevent root rot. Use a quality potting mix; an organic mix made for growing vegetables is a good option. Transplant your kale into the pot at the same depth it was growing in its previous container, and water it after planting. Kale is most commonly planted from seeds or nursery plants. But it also can be propagated via cuttings.
Cuttings are an inexpensive way to create a new plant. The best time to do this is in the early spring or late summer. Kale can be direct seeded in the garden or started indoors and transplanted into the garden. You can direct seed in cold climates as soon as the soil temperature is at least 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
Kale is a member of the cabbage family, which is notorious for attracting insect pests and for rot diseases. Kale is susceptible to black rot and clubroot, as well as aphids , cabbage loopers, cabbageworm , cutworms, flea beetles , and slugs.
The best defense is to monitor the plants often for signs of eggs or feeding, such as holes in the leaves. Treat problems as soon as they arise. Kale can be grown indoors, though you'll likely need a grow light if you don't have a window that gets lots of direct sun.
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