Topic: Sea kale

[Viks]

We have acquired some Sea Kale root with buds on. Any advice on the best way to grow it, how far apart to plant it etc?

[cleo]

Umm-not my best subject as I keep digging them up(a previous post :-[)

But-any decent soil,about 24? inches apart-let them establish for a year or two and then blanch the young shoots as they emerge in the spring.


Am really hoping someone will tell us both.

Stephan

[terrace max]

Following Stephan's previous advice, I've been harvesting my seakale for the last six weeks or so: I'm eating it unblanched in stir frys, curries, salads...But I think most people would want to blanch it.

It's a very tasty, interesting-looking, hardy and under-rated vegetable. A bit like myself.

Plant the roots a stride apart and forget about them until spring. (But try not to plant your parsley on top of them like I did.) I put my seakale in a perennial bed with globe artichokes, which is kind of posh isn't it?

[Viks]

So pop it in and wait. I think even I can manage that.

Do they sort of look like Rhubarb when established?
How many roots is a good amount for a normal family to eat!!

[terrace max]

Maybe a cross between rhubarb and cabbage...?

It's a brassica - and tastes like one unblanched.

I'd say four plants would keep your family well supplied.

[Trixiebelle]

OOOH FAB ADVICE! I had 3 sea kale plants arrive on my doorstep this morning - another symptom of ordering stuff from Thompson & Morgan whilst under the influence of egg nog 8)

Does anyone know if you have to cut it back before it's established or just leave it and forget about it for a couple of years?

And could it survive in the asparagus bed?

Thanks in advance

Trix XXXX

[cleo]

I think it would do very well in the asparagus bed. You won`t keep digging it up and both plants don`t mind a dressing of salt.

Just let it grow and die back for a couple of seasons

[Trixiebelle]

Thank you Cleo  :) I was worried about the salt and them competing with each other as well

Trixie X