How to Grow Kale: Tips, Facts, and Information

Kale is one of the most nutrient-dense leafy greens you can grow, packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber and antioxidants. It thrives in cool weather, is easy to grow, and can be harvested multiple times throughout the growing season. Whether you’re growing kale for fresh salads, smoothies, or cooking, this hardy vegetable is a must-have in any garden. Here’s a guide to the top 20 kale varieties to grow, along with essential growing tips, interesting facts, and answers to common questions.

Top 20 Kale Varieties to Grow

1. Curly Kale (Winterbor)

Tips: Winterbor grows best in cool weather and can tolerate frost. Plant in early spring or late summer for fall and winter harvests.
Facts: This popular curly kale variety has finely ruffled, blue-green leaves and is known for its sweet flavor, especially after frost.

2. Lacinato (Dinosaur Kale)

Tips: Lacinato, or Dinosaur Kale, prefers cooler weather and can be planted in spring or fall. It thrives in rich, well-drained soil with regular watering.
Facts: This heirloom variety has long, dark green leaves with a bumpy texture, resembling dinosaur skin. It has a mild, slightly nutty flavor.

3. Red Russian

Tips: Red Russian kale grows well in cool temperatures and can withstand light frost. Plant in spring or late summer for best results.
Facts: Known for its flat, tender leaves with purple stems, Red Russian kale has a mild, sweet flavor, perfect for fresh salads and cooking.

4. Scarlet Kale

Tips: Scarlet kale prefers cool weather and grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. Plant in spring or fall.
Facts: This striking variety has deep red-purple leaves and becomes even more vibrant after frost. It has a sweet, earthy flavor and is highly ornamental.

5. Dwarf Blue Curled

Tips: Dwarf Blue Curled kale is perfect for small spaces and container gardening. It grows best in cool weather and rich, well-drained soil.
Facts: This compact variety has deeply curled blue-green leaves and is highly cold-tolerant, with a sweet flavor that intensifies after frost.

6. Redbor

Tips: Redbor kale prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Plant in early spring or late summer for a fall or winter harvest.
Facts: Known for its beautiful red-purple, curly leaves, Redbor is both ornamental and edible, with a mild, sweet flavor that deepens in cold weather.

7. Premier

Tips: Premier kale grows quickly in cool weather and prefers full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. It can be planted in spring or fall.
Facts: This variety is known for its smooth, tender leaves and fast-growing nature. It’s ideal for early harvests and has a mild, sweet flavor.

8. Nero di Toscana

Tips: Nero di Toscana kale thrives in cooler temperatures and can be sown in spring or late summer. It prefers well-drained, fertile soil.
Facts: Also known as “Tuscany Kale,” this variety has long, dark green, bumpy leaves and a mild, slightly sweet flavor.

9. Siberian

Tips: Siberian kale is highly cold-hardy and grows well in cool temperatures. Plant in early spring or fall for best results.
Facts: This variety has large, tender, blue-green leaves and a mild, sweet flavor. It’s known for being one of the most cold-tolerant kales.

10. Tronchuda (Portuguese Kale)

Tips: Tronchuda kale grows best in cool weather and well-drained soil. Sow seeds in early spring or late summer for continuous harvests.
Facts: This Portuguese variety has large, thick leaves with white stems and veins. It’s commonly used in soups and stews and has a mild, cabbage-like flavor.

11. Winter Red

Tips: Winter Red kale thrives in cool temperatures and tolerates frost well. Plant in late summer for a fall or winter harvest.
Facts: This variety has flat, green leaves with deep red veins, and its color deepens after frost. It has a tender texture and sweet flavor.

12. Dazzling Blue

Tips: Dazzling Blue kale prefers cool weather and rich, well-drained soil. Plant in spring or late summer for a colorful fall harvest.
Facts: This variety has blue-green leaves with vibrant pink stems, making it highly ornamental. Its mild flavor is perfect for fresh salads or cooking.

13. Vates Blue Curled

Tips: Vates Blue Curled kale grows well in cool weather and full sun. It’s ideal for container gardening or small garden spaces.
Facts: Known for its compact growth habit and finely curled blue-green leaves, this variety has a sweet flavor, especially after frost.

14. Black Magic

Tips: Black Magic kale prefers cool temperatures and fertile, well-drained soil. Plant in early spring or fall for the best results.
Facts: This variety is similar to Lacinato kale but has darker, smoother leaves and a richer flavor. It’s highly cold-tolerant and great for soups or sautés.

15. Starbor

Tips: Starbor kale thrives in cool weather and prefers full sun and rich soil. Sow seeds in early spring or late summer for multiple harvests.
Facts: This hybrid variety has deeply curled, dark green leaves and is highly resistant to cold. It has a mild, sweet flavor that improves with frost.

16. Meadowlark

Tips: Meadowlark kale grows best in cool temperatures and full sun. Plant in spring or late summer for a fall or winter harvest.
Facts: This variety is known for its frilly, green leaves and tender texture. It has a sweet, mild flavor that makes it perfect for fresh salads or cooking.

17. Walking Stick

Tips: Walking Stick kale prefers cooler temperatures and well-drained soil. Plant in early spring or late summer for best results.
Facts: This unique variety grows tall with large, green leaves and thick stems. Its leaves are tender and mild, while its thick stems are often dried and used to make walking sticks.

18. Curly Roja

Tips: Curly Roja grows well in cool temperatures and rich, moist soil. Plant in early spring or fall for a colorful harvest.
Facts: This variety has vibrant red-purple, curly leaves and a tender texture. Its mild, sweet flavor makes it perfect for fresh or cooked dishes.

19. Chou Moullier (Jersey Kale)

Tips: Chou Moullier grows best in cool weather and well-drained soil. Plant in spring or fall for a continuous harvest.
Facts: This tall, robust kale variety is native to the Channel Islands and has large, smooth leaves with a mild flavor, perfect for soups and stews.

20. Kosmic

Tips: Kosmic kale prefers cool weather and full sun. Sow seeds in spring or late summer for continuous harvests throughout the year.
Facts: Known for its stunning white veins and blue-green leaves, Kosmic kale is highly ornamental and has a mild, sweet flavor.

Common Questions About Growing Kale

Q: When should I plant kale?
A: Kale grows best in cool weather, so plant seeds in early spring for a summer harvest or in late summer for a fall and winter crop. Kale can tolerate frost, and its flavor improves with cooler temperatures.

Q: Can I grow kale in containers?
A: Yes, kale grows well in containers as long as the pots are at least 12 inches deep and have good drainage. Place the containers in a sunny spot and water regularly.

Q: How long does kale take to grow?
A: Kale is a fast-growing crop and can be ready for harvest in as little as 50-75 days, depending on the variety and growing conditions.

Q: How do I harvest kale?
A: Harvest kale by cutting the outer leaves when they are large enough to eat, leaving the center of the plant to continue growing. This allows for continuous harvesting throughout the season.

Q: Can kale survive frost?
A: Yes, kale is highly cold-tolerant and can survive light frosts. In fact, frost enhances the sweetness of kale leaves, making them more flavorful.