Holly's Homestead — Brassica
Kale
Brassica oleracea var. sabellica · Brassica family
DIFFICULTY Easy
TYPE Biennial, grown as annual, seed or seedling
MATURITY 55–75 days
TYPE Biennial, grown as annual, seed or seedling
MATURITY 55–75 days
Sun
Full–part sun
Water
Consistent
Soil pH
6.0–7.0
Spacing
40–45cm
Depth
1cm
01Cut-and-come-again
Harvest outer leaves from the base upward rather than cutting the whole plant — kale keeps producing new growth from the centre for months.
02Planting
Method
Direct sow or transplant seedlings.
Soil
Rich, well-drained, high organic matter.
Timing
Sow year-round in mild zones; thrives through cooler months.
Planting timing varies significantly by Australian climate zone. Set your zone above (or use the Find My Climate Zone tool) for guidance tailored to your own area.
03Growing care
- Harvest outer leaves regularly to keep new growth coming.
- Feed lightly every few weeks with liquid compost or seaweed tonic.
- Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Net if cabbage moth pressure is high.
04Problems
- Cabbage moth — caterpillars shred leaves; net or hand-pick.
- Aphids — cluster on new growth; hose off.
- Bolting — hot weather triggers flowering; harvest before the heat sets in.
- Slow growth — nutrient-poor soil; feed regularly.
05Harvest & storage
Signs
Leaves reach hand-size, firm and deeply coloured.
Method
Snap or cut outer leaves from the base, leaving the crown to keep producing.
Curing
None needed.
Storage
Fridge crisper, up to a week.
Preserving
See Fermenting (sauerkraut and fermented brassicas) or Freezing Produce (blanching and freezing a glut) for ways to keep a harvest surplus.
Recipes
Try our Kale Chips — a way to use a glut.
06Companions & rotation
Plant nearby
OnionBeetrootHerbsAvoid nearby
StrawberryTomatoRotation note
Rotate brassicas on a 3–4 year cycle.
