How long does it take from seed to regular cropping size? As soon as this became de rigueur some years ago, I tried so hard, year upon year and yet they never reach at the stage where they grow a decent height before I'm able to make successive crops. Okay, initially I was taking some leaves off after about 2 months from being planted out in the first 3 years as I was following what the guide books told me, and then last two years learnt that it's best after 2/3mths, well, the d**n thing still doesn't grow that much (height or in bushing out a bit) and so, I'm in despair as to know what I'm doing wrong? This year's crop is till at 7/8" tall and I've only taken about a small handful from each plant this winter as it's first crop... the other brassicas in the bed are doing okish (summer ones were ok last year, but brussels, and sprouting broc. not great this season). The bed was limed last year and fed and mulched with comfrey leaves/liquid/manure... help me? I love this kale so much that it's the best brassica i've tasted..
ps. it's in a sheltered position protected by Veggimesh cage.
I sowed my seed late March/early April in the greenhouse and then potted them up as individual plants in 4" square pots. They were planted out in rows in early July with about 18" between the plants and grew to harvesting size by October. I had several good servings from them between then and early December but now they've been frozen to death along with the purple sprouting.
Kale, like other brassicas are quite 'hungry' plants..so while they are putting growth on, they will need nitrogen rich soil and/or feed. Comfry is not right type of feed..it has plenty of nutrients to promote flowering and fruiting.
Try application of BFB meal when planting the kale plants and few weeks later sprinkle some chicken manure pellets..repeating it once a month until autumn...by then they should have put LOADS of growth. Over then winter they don't need any feed..but once the new growth start again in spring..little bit of feed will send the growth into flying start.
Kale is easy to grow..you just need to provide nitrogen for the leafy growth :sunny:
I have also begun to start brassicas off in modules. I give each one a good handful of chicken manure per plant when they are planted out and another generous handful six weeks later, and mulch up with grass clippings.
I would expect the plants to get to be 2-3 feet tall. Perhaps I would suggest cropping some plants early but leaving others to get bigger so you have a good crop over a longer period. They like plenty of sunshine. How close are you planting? I would suggest about two feet between plants. I would agree with Obbelix that they take about 7-8 months from a March/April sowing.