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This is a random mix of Kale seeds from my garden.
You will get a mixture of red kale, scarlet kale, black magic, dazzling blue kale, lacinato kale, etc.
It's hard to find this mix, but I want to offer mix seeds options to help you start your garden. Check out my YouTube channel at The Johnsons Natural Living for more gardening tips.
Growing kale is simple and rewarding, as it is a hardy, nutrient-packed leafy green that thrives in various climates. Here’s how to grow kale successfully:
1. Best Time to Plant
•Kale grows best in cool weather.
•For spring planting: Sow seeds 3-5 weeks before the last frost date.
•For fall planting: Sow seeds 6-8 weeks before the first frost date, as kale tastes sweeter after a frost.
2. Choose the Right Location
•Sunlight: Kale prefers full sun (6+ hours per day) but can tolerate partial shade, especially in hot climates.
•Soil: Use well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter with a pH of 6.0-7.0. Add compost or aged manure for optimal growth.
3. Planting
•From Seeds:
•Sow seeds directly in the garden 1/4-1/2 inch deep and 12-18 inches apart in rows spaced 18-24 inches apart.
•For baby kale, scatter seeds more closely and thin later.
•From Transplants:
•If starting indoors, sow seeds 6 weeks before transplanting. Transplant seedlings when they are 3-4 inches tall, spacing them 12-18 inches apart.
4. Watering
•Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
•Water deeply, about 1-1.5 inches per week, focusing on the base of the plants to avoid wetting the leaves.
5. Fertilizing
•Kale is a heavy feeder and benefits from regular feeding.
•Before planting, mix a nitrogen-rich fertilizer or compost into the soil.
•Side-dress with compost or fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season to encourage leafy growth.
6. Mulching
•Apply a layer of mulch (straw, grass clippings, or wood chips) around the plants to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce weeds.
7. Pest and Disease Management
•Common Pests:
•Cabbage worms, aphids, flea beetles, and whiteflies are common. Use row covers, hand-pick pests, or spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
•Diseases:
•Prevent fungal diseases by spacing plants for good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering.
8. Harvesting
•For Baby Kale: Harvest when leaves are 2-3 inches long, about 25-30 days after planting.
•For Mature Kale: Start harvesting outer leaves when they are about 8-10 inches long, about 50-65 days after planting. Leave the central leaves to allow continued growth.
•Kale can be harvested throughout the growing season, even into winter in mild climates.
9. Companion Plants
•Kale grows well with beets, onions, herbs (like dill and cilantro), and celery. Avoid planting it near strawberries or tomatoes.
10. Overwintering
•In colder climates, use a cold frame or cover the plants with mulch to extend the harvest season.
100 seeds
