When to plant Kale in Bristol

Brassica oleracea var. acephala

Kale
Kale · Brassica oleracea var. acephala

A hardy brassica for the UK garden. Grow mature plants in open ground for a long harvest in cool weather. It copes with frost, and the leaves often taste better after a cold spell. It takes full sun, and a little light shade is fine.

75 cm · Full Sun · Moderate Water

Add to garden

Calibrated to Bristol · last frost ≈ 19 Apr

Sow outdoors April to May, plant out May to July, harvest October to March. Frost risk November to April.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Sow outdoorsNoNoNoYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
Plant outNoNoNoNoYesYesYesNoNoNoNoNo
HarvestYesYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYesYes

Growing guide

What to do through the growing season

  1. 01

    Sow Seed

    5 Apr to 17 May

    Sow around 5th April - 17th May in a prepared seedbed or shallow drills. Sow thinly to . Keep the soil evenly moist while they germinate.

  2. 02

    Thin Seedlings

    26 Apr to 21 Jun Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    After each sowing, when seedlings are large enough to handle, thin so the strongest plants have room. Keep the bed watered.

  3. 03

    Transplant and Firm In

    10 May to 5 Jul

    After each sowing, move sturdy plants to their final spots. Space apart. Firm the soil hard and plant deep so the roots are well anchored. Water in well.

    • Feed only if the soil is poor, or if plants are in pots.

  4. 04

    Protect from Pests

    10 May to 13 Mar 2028 Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    After each sowing, from 10th May, cover with mesh for pigeons and cabbage white. Keep it on through 13th March 2028. Add collars around the stems against cabbage root fly.

  5. 06

    Harvest Leaves

    2 Oct to 13 Mar 2028 Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    After each sowing, start picking from 2nd October once the plants are well grown. Take the outer leaves first and leave the growing point. Keep picking through 13th March 2028.

Suggested varieties

Popular varieties of Kale to consider

Nero di Toscana

A hardy black kale with long, narrow leaves and a strong texture. Good for repeated picking in the UK garden.

Westland Winter

A reliable winter kale with good cold tolerance and large, curly leaves. Suits open ground and keeps cropping well.

Redbor F1

A deep purple-red kale with frilled leaves and good ornamental value. Tends to look best and taste best after frosts.

Kale guides by town

See how Kale timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.