Cavolo Nero (black kale)

[cazsudz]

Hi

I'm growing this again this year after a disaster this year (only one plant survived). Its doing much better but looks like its nearly ready - I thought it was meant to be a winter thing. Am wondering if I planted it too close - 9" following Monty Don's book? Some of the leaves are quite large - can I start harvesting it?

Also how do I cook it?

[Two_Sheds]

I think you sowed/planted too early?
I put mine in last week (3 inches tall). I put them about 10" apart.
If it looks ready, eat it! Or the pigeons will.

to cook: just strip the green away from the white rib (which can be a bit tough ~ eat small leaves whole), and steam it for a couple of minutes. Lovely.

[Demeter]

Or stir fry it, chopped up, with garlic and herbs and whatever else you've just picked Mine are still too little to eat, but I'll be helping myself to baby leaves in a couple of weeks I reckon...

[cazsudz]

Two sheds - I think you're right and I sowed too early. Pigeons shouldn't get it as its under my lovely new netting frame. However I am going to eat some for tea tonight! How long will it keep coming for ?


Caz

[Flummery]

I've been eating mine for a month! I'm sowing again next week. It's a gorgeous leaf and I think you could get a double cropping of it in one year. Hope so anyway!

[Two_Sheds]

How long will it keep coming for ?

I guess until it's exhausted. I've never tried growing it for summer use before, but mine will crop Sep - April.

Give it a feed with a compost/comfrey leaf/nettle leaf mulch (nitrogen for leaf crops)