Topic: Sea Kale Confusion

[terrace max]

I grew some of this from seed last year and it has just started to reappear now. Trouble is, I've no idea what to do next and the advice in my books conflicts a bit...

Am I ok to blanch it in situ even though the shoots are already a couple of inches tall?

Should I wait until year 3 to blanch it?

Can I use the unblanched shoots/leaves for anything if it's too late, or too early, to blanch?

Any guidance much appreciated...

[cleo]

I would let them grow on for this year at least.

Confession time-I have never got them large enough,I used to forget they were there and kept digging them up. :-[ Mine are just showing now as well.

Stephan

[terrace max]

Thanks Stephan - I know what you mean about forgetting about them. I managed to plant some parsley on top of one of my plants...!

[Clayhithe]

Can I use the unblanched shoots/leaves for anything

You could eat them?? ;)

Seriously though,

I would cut the leaves off,  fill a 9in black plastic pot with peat or compost and up-end it over the crown.   In about 4-6 weeks you'll have fantastic blanched leaves :P

Then let them grow green for the rest of the summer.

The roots will last for years if you don't remove all the green leaves (a bit like rhubarb).   When they get weak take root cuttings from the strongest and throw the rest away.   Leave the new cuttings to grow for a couple of years.

[terrace max]

Nice one. Thank you Clayhithe. I'll give it a go...!