Assorted Kale !!

[veggiechicken]

I've just sown 13 types of Kale as part of my cunning plan to be self sufficient year-round with pick-a-leaf greens. They've all been sown in NH seed compost, a few seeds to a module and are sitting on the kitchen table until germination.
The varieties are:-
Dwarf green curled
Jersey Walking Stick
Curly Scarlet
Westland Winter
Nero di Toscana
Ragged Jack
Red Russian
Asparagus
Tall
Sutherland
Cottagers
Daubenton
Madeley.

I have Red Ursa and True Siberian on order from Real Seeds but was too late for East Friesian Palm Kale so, if anyone has a couple of spare seeds of this I would be eternally grateful

Is anyone else growing kale - or am I the only kale nutter here?
PS I've also sown Asturian tree cabbage, Portuguese cabbage and various sprouts and broccolis that I intend to treat as pick-a-leaf too

[sammy_roser]

Well done! I hope that would keep you self sufficient!

I kept meaning to buy some Nero di Toscana but haven't gotten round to it yet.

[veggiechicken]

There are plenty of kales in the VSP for anyone who wants to grow them

[rustylady]

I love kale, it's perfect if you live on your own cos you just pick as many leaves as you need.

I've got dwarf curly green and Cavalo de Nero.

[veggiechicken]

Agreed Rusty. I find a great big cabbage a bit daunting to chomp through - not that I ever manage to grow one that hasn't already been chomped by a crittur

[Tomato Head]

I have just sown dwarf curly kale and cavalo nero as well. I haven't really room for more than one type but couldn't decide so thought I'd try both. Kale is one of my favourite vegetables so I hope it's successful.

[horticultural_hobbit]

I'd love to sow it, but can it broadcast sown rather than being started in modules?

[veggiechicken]

You can sow it direct into your seed bed. HH, just like other brassicas. I start most things in modules or trays as it gives me more control over them. I don't have proper veg beds so plants are grown on wherever there's a space. Its all a bit of a muddle really

[horticultural_hobbit]

Cheers, VC. I think I might-once I have sorted the beds out-and just scatter things. I can't control things in modules either!

[daviddevantnhisspiritwife]

We love Kale, but, until now have never grown it. I have two or 3 varieties and have sown 1 so far (can't remember what it is it is a very dark leaved one). This reminds me that I need to do some more and check on the first lot!

[Barking Postlethwaite]

Last year I grew dwarf curly (perfectly fine) and Black Tucanny (magnificent). The black kales in particular are very versatile - try them with mussels - easy to germinate and grow and they stand well; I've only just taken mine out after 6 months of production. Unlike cabbage they didn't seem to attract caterpillars and other predators; I didn't even bother to net mine. More black kale and less cabbage for me this time round.

[Jamesy_uk]

If you want to be lazy and don't net then go for the smooth leaf Kales, its a bit of a chore cleaning the Nero and dwarf if you get whitefly etc.

[Bren In Pots]

I only grow Nero di Toscana because its my favourite plus it looks majestic growing in the garden.

[VirginVegGrower]

I'd love to sow it, but can it broadcast sown rather than being started in modules?

You can have a Sutherland Kale from me tomorrow. I'll bring it.

[VirginVegGrower]

I only grow Nero di Toscana because its my favourite plus it looks majestic growing in the garden.

I love this one too but won't be sowing mine until May. I love the taste.