Nero di Toscana
A hardy black kale with long, narrow leaves and a strong texture. Good for repeated picking in the UK garden.
When to plant Kale in Perth
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
Calibrated to Perth · last frost ≈ 9 May
| Activity | January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sow outdoors | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Plant out | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | No |
| Harvest | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Growing guide
What to do through the growing season
01
Sow Seed
25 Apr to 6 JunSow around 25th April - 6th June in a prepared seedbed or shallow drills. Sow thinly to . Keep the soil evenly moist while they germinate.
02
Thin Seedlings
16 May to 11 Jul Dates as each sowing reaches this stageAfter each sowing, when seedlings are large enough to handle, thin so the strongest plants have room. Keep the bed watered.
03
Transplant and Firm In
30 May to 25 JulAfter 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.
04
Protect from Pests
30 May to 2 Apr 2028 Dates as each sowing reaches this stageAfter each sowing, from 30th May, cover with mesh for pigeons and cabbage white. Keep it on through 2nd April 2028. Add collars around the stems against cabbage root fly.
06
Harvest Leaves
22 Oct to 2 Apr 2028 Dates as each sowing reaches this stageAfter each sowing, start picking from 22nd October once the plants are well grown. Take the outer leaves first and leave the growing point. Keep picking through 2nd April 2028.
Suggested varieties
Popular varieties of Kale to consider
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.
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