KALE

[tim]

As seen earlier, we seem to be too far advanced. When do others sow it?

How do we control it - keep taking the young leaves, cut it right down....?

Will it slow up?

Should it over-winter???

[tim]

[thifasmom]

I'm no kale expert, but started growing them last year. i grew Kale Nero Di Toscana last year i planted them out in June month as 5'' seedlings (just 9 plants) and they gave me more than enough kale to feed a family of 5 regularly (about ever 4-6 weeks) from July 07 till March of this year before going to flower. this year i am using ''Kale Scarlet'' a red variety only 5 plant, did start with 6 but one succummed to white fly, but I'm not so sure of this one the production though started in july has been less (with a crop ever 6-8 weeks, but the crop amts have been sufficient just less frequent) and I'm not sure how well it will do over the winter months (although the packet says excellent winter hardiness) so I'm sowing six more now which being younger i hope will go the distance for production at least.

[theothermarg]

Mine seem to be doing a little too well! hope they will last through the winter,don,t want to start picking yet as I,v loads of summer cabbage to get through
marg

[calendula]

part of the brassica overwhelm this year I guess - iIsow mine in late April, x 3 varieties (red, black and curly) and yes they are now wonderful looking plants but I like to keep mine until the first frosts but wouldn't be averse to picking before that if I run out of other brassicas - I'm sure they will overwinter well but why not hard pick one or two plants now and see if they come back for a second picking, that would be one way of controlling the glut - you'll enjoy them just as much  :)

[Garjan]

Hello all
Kale is the winter veg par excellence!
In the Netherlands it is even believed that it doesn't taste well if "frost did not go over the plants". And I know older people who, in milder winters, will freeze freshly picked leaves before eating them.
So yes, it is very hardy and it will produce leaves all winter.

Cut very finely and boiled together with potatoes, then mashed with butter and nutmeg: a traditional winter dish. Serve with sausages or, when vegetarian, with cubes of cheese mixed in.
My favorite on cold days.

[thifasmom]

Hello all
Kale is the winter veg par excellence!
Cut very finely and boiled together with potatoes, then mashed with butter and nutmeg: a traditional winter dish. Serve with sausages or, when vegetarian, with cubes of cheese mixed in.
My favorite on cold days.

harvested yesterday and ate it for dinner, so will have to try this recipe the next harvest sounds yummy.

[aussiedigger]

Mine too is ready to harvest.  I'm not sure of the variety (bought as plug plants at a car boot sale) but it isn't curly.  The leaves are a dark green with a blue tint to them, quite upright and curve over at the top.

Do you eat the thick white rib down the middle of the leaf, or just the leafy part?

Advice appreciated! 

[tim]

LIke this? Nero. Sown 10 May.

So, I can just let the rest grow & grow? As said, one doesn't need it now. It's been 'in pick' for ages - sown 4 April.

[thifasmom]

Mine too is ready to harvest.  I'm not sure of the variety (bought as plug plants at a car boot sale) but it isn't curly.  The leaves are a dark green with a blue tint to them, quite upright and curve over at the top.

Do you eat the thick white rib down the middle of the leaf, or just the leafy part?

Advice appreciated! 

if its up to me i would eat the whole thing as it cuts down prep time for cooking but the rest of the family moans when i leave it in  ::) so i remove the rib, but then thats how its sold anyway with out the ribs :-\

[thifasmom]

LIke this? Nero. Sown 10 May.

So, I can just let the rest grow & grow? As said, one doesn't need it now. It's been 'in pick' for ages - sown 4 April.

i uses it as a summer green cause were aren't big lovers of cabbage, cauliflower, so i don't grow them. with the kale i find if i pick the leaves when they arenot to old the texture is much nicer.

[stevie77]

we put some dwarf curly kale in last year and so many people asking what it was and wanting to know where to get it :)
this year about 8/9 plotties have it on site so it must be good

we put our plugs out in may and took the first leaves off yesterday as they were so long they were touching the ground ;D
admittedly a little earlier than last year but we were still picking in feb/mar so it does keep going
steve