Confused by cavolo nero

[annie8]

I am growing cavolo nero for the first time this year. Planted seeds indoors in April and grew on in the greenhouse and cold frame before planting out at start of June. They have grown really well and been eating leaves from them since start of July as they seemed ready and we’re getting tall. Am confused though as according to the packet they are not ready to harvest until November and part of the reason for growing it was to have a winter crop. If it is cropping this early does that mean it won’t last through the winter? The plants are looking healthy and as I say are a decent size - maybe 50cm.

[ameno]

Usually you plant a bit later for a winter crop; April is quite early. But they should last through winter just fine as long as you feed them up a bit now. Give them a dose of general fertiliser (growmore, poultry manure, or fish, blood & bone) as soon as you can.
You should probably hold off on picking a bit from about October, as they don't actually grow much over the winter, so if you want stuff to pick over winter you need to leave leaves on them in the autumn.
Be aware that Cavalo Nero is one of the first kales to bolt, too. It starts trying to flower from about mid-February where I am, although up where you are it will probably be later, as the cold will keep it dormant for longer.

[annie8]

Thanks will do. Wasn’t sure how it would go so started pretty early - although packet said from April. Will definitely grow again but might do it a bit later or sequence a bit.

[Nicos]

We use the flower heads a bit like psb too!

[Bren In Pots]

We use the flower heads a bit like psb too!

They are rather tasty especially in a stir fry or omelette.