Growing guide
How to grow kale in Ireland
Kale is useful for repeated leaf harvests rather than one head that must be cut at precisely the right moment. Its hardiness makes it valuable in cold months, but birds and insects still need watching. For a first winter crop, an April or May sowing and early-summer planting gives a practical route to established plants.
On this page
At a glance
- Start with
- Seed or young plants: curly green, red-leaved or Italian black kale
- Best position
- Fertile, reasonably drained ground with access for winter picking
When and where to start
Indoor sowing. Sow the beginner winter batch in April or May. Protected starts from January and sowings through June serve other harvest periods.
Planting out. Plant the winter batch in June or July. The broader season runs March to July with successive sowings; it is not the schedule for one identical crop all year.
Planting and spacing
Raise a small batch in modules or an outdoor nursery bed in suitable conditions. Keep seedlings in good light and move them before roots become crowded.
Acclimatise protected plants, moisten rootballs and firm into the bed so stems are anchored. An exposed patch may need support as plants grow.
Use about 60 cm rows and 45 cm between plants for early and late methods. The closer 60 × 37 cm maincrop arrangement is a separate density; leave useful picking access.
Routine care
Water while plants establish and through prolonged dry weather. Mature hardiness does not remove the need for a sound start. Control young weeds before foliage fills the space.
Check that mesh has room above leaves and maintain edges against pigeons. Winter weather does not protect every leaf from insects.
Let plants build a framework before frequent picking. Taking every new leaf immediately leaves too little foliage to support a productive crop.
What to watch for
Aphids and caterpillars can hide beneath or within leaves. Inspect during picking rather than waiting for severe damage.
Ring spot and white blister are listed diseases. Record recurring leaf problems; a robust crop is not immune to every brassica disease. Keep access clear instead of trampling soil and pulling roughly at stems.
Harvest and storage
Take useful lower leaves and preserve the centre with enough healthy foliage for continued growth. Cutting the whole plant is an alternative, but ends repeated picking from that plant.
Sound winter plants can remain standing where conditions allow; severe frost still needs attention. Bring picked leaves to the kitchen promptly. Pick manageable quantities rather than stripping a whole plant unnecessarily.
Common questions
Do I need many sowings for winter?
Not necessarily. One timed batch can be useful; a much longer season needs additional plantings.
Can I keep picking one plant?
Yes, while preserving the centre and enough healthy leaf for further growth. Do not strip it bare.
Are black and curly kale different methods?
Leaf forms differ, but the basic transplanting and repeated-picking approach suits both. Check variety-specific instructions.