Growing Kale in Autumn: Your Guide to Planting, Care, and Harvesting
Kale is a hardy, nutrient-dense green that thrives when planted in autumn. Known for its resilience to cold weather and its nutritional benefits, kale is ideal for gardeners looking to extend their growing season. Autumn-planted kale can produce a steady supply of tender leaves well into winter, especially with a little frost protection. Here’s everything you need to know about growing kale in autumn, from selecting the right variety to caring for your plants and harvesting your crop.
Why Plant Kale in Autumn?
Kale is well-suited for autumn planting due to its tolerance for cool temperatures. In fact, a light frost can improve kale’s flavor by reducing bitterness and enhancing its sweetness. Planting in autumn allows kale to grow steadily in the milder temperatures, avoiding the tendency to bolt (produce flowers and seeds) that can happen in hot weather. Kale can even survive winter in many regions, making it a great choice for fall gardening.
Types of Kale to Grow in Autumn
Kale comes in several types, each with unique qualities for different culinary uses and garden aesthetics:
- Curly Kale: Known for its frilly, curled leaves and bright green color, curly kale is versatile and one of the most popular types. Varieties include ‘Winterbor’ and ‘Dwarf Blue Curled’.
- Lacinato (Dinosaur) Kale: This variety has long, dark green leaves with a slightly bumpy texture. Known for its mild flavor, it’s a favorite for soups and sautés. Examples are ‘Nero di Toscana’ and ‘Black Magic’.
- Red Russian Kale: With flat, serrated leaves and a red-purple hue, this kale is both visually appealing and flavorful. It’s slightly sweeter and more tender than other varieties.
- Siberian Kale: Known for its exceptional cold tolerance, Siberian kale has broad, flat leaves that are tender and ideal for salads and cooking.
Steps for Planting Kale in Autumn
- Choose a Sunny or Partially Shaded Location
Kale grows best in full sun but can tolerate partial shade, especially in warmer regions. Look for an area that gets 4–6 hours of sunlight daily. - Prepare the Soil
Kale prefers fertile, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0–7.0). Add compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil, as kale is a heavy feeder. - Direct Sow or Transplant Seedlings
Kale seeds can be sown directly into the garden or started indoors and transplanted. Plant seeds about ½ inch deep and 8–12 inches apart, with rows spaced about 12–18 inches apart. If starting indoors, transplant seedlings when they are 4–6 weeks old. - Water Regularly
Water the soil thoroughly after planting to ensure seeds or seedlings establish well. Kale prefers consistent moisture, so water regularly but avoid waterlogged soil.
Caring for Kale Through Autumn and Winter
- Mulch: Apply a 2–3 inch layer of organic mulch, such as straw or leaves, to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and insulate the soil during colder months.
- Fertilize as Needed: Kale benefits from a nitrogen-rich fertilizer every 4–6 weeks to support its leafy growth.
- Protect from Heavy Frost: Although kale can handle light frost, consider using row covers or garden fabric during very cold spells to extend the harvest season and protect the plants.
Harvesting Kale
Kale is typically ready for harvest about 6–8 weeks after planting. The leaves can be picked at any stage, but most gardeners wait until they are about the size of your hand for the best flavor.
- Harvesting Young Leaves
For a continuous harvest, pick the outer, lower leaves as needed. Leave the center of the plant intact to encourage new growth. This “cut-and-come-again” method can keep kale producing for weeks or even months. - Full Harvest
If you prefer to harvest the entire plant, cut it off at the base. Kale is frost-hardy, so you can often keep it in the ground through early winter.
Storage Tips
Freshly harvested kale can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. To extend its freshness, wrap the leaves in a damp paper towel and place them in a plastic bag. Kale can also be blanched and frozen for long-term storage.
Top 10 Questions and Answers on Growing Kale in Autumn
1. When should I plant kale in autumn?
Plant kale 6–8 weeks before the first expected frost date for your region to allow it to establish before winter.
2. Can kale be grown in containers?
Yes, kale grows well in containers. Use a pot at least 12 inches deep with good drainage.
3. How deep should kale seeds be planted?
Plant kale seeds about ½ inch deep, or transplant seedlings after they reach 4–6 weeks of age.
4. What type of fertilizer does kale need?
A nitrogen-rich fertilizer is ideal for kale, as it supports leafy growth.
5. Does kale need full sun?
Kale grows best in full sun but can tolerate partial shade, especially in warm climates.
6. How often should I water kale?
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water more frequently in dry conditions.
7. Is kale frost-tolerant?
Yes, kale is very frost-tolerant, and a light frost can improve its flavor. Protect it from heavy frost for a longer harvest.
8. Why is my kale bolting?
Bolting (flowering) usually happens in warm temperatures. Autumn planting reduces the risk of bolting since kale grows best in cooler weather.
9. How do I prevent pests on my kale plants?
Use row covers to protect against pests like aphids and cabbage worms. Crop rotation can also help reduce pest pressure.
10. Can I freeze kale after harvesting?
Yes, kale can be frozen. Blanch the leaves briefly in boiling water, then cool quickly and store in airtight bags for long-term storage.
This guide equips you to grow a successful kale crop in autumn, providing fresh greens well into the colder months. Enjoy the rich flavor and versatility of homegrown kale in your kitchen!