We’re constantly being told to eat our greens, and kale is one of the most potent greens you can include in your diet.
This bitter, salty, leafy green is a powerhouse of nutrients, and if you’re into growing veggies, you’ll be pleased to know that you grow it directly in your garden!
Want to get started on your kale-growing journey? Want to know when to harvest kale? Keep reading to learn more about growing and harvesting your new favorite leafy green.
What Is Kale?
This green, cruciferous vegetable belongs to the cabbage family and boasts green or purple leaves.
This distinctively dark green can be cooked or eaten raw. It has recently been hailed a ‘superfood’ thanks to its impressive nutrient profile, which boasts an abundance of antioxidants and vitamins, including A, C, and K.
If you want to grow kale yourself, the good news is it’s pretty easy to grow, even for beginners (see also “How To Cut Kale“). However, growing kale is just one part of the process because you’ll also need to know when to harvest it.
With the right timing and methods, you can serve some super tasty greens at dinner!
How To Grow Kale
This easy-to-grow vegetable is a nutritional powerhouse. It also harvests over a long period, so when grown correctly, you can expect a pretty generous yield.
Kale can withstand growing in light shade and thrive even in cold temperatures. Ideally, your seeds should be sown in a seedbed and later transplanted to their final positions.
We’d recommend sowing your seeds between March and June in the sun or shade. Before you sow your seeds, weed the area thoroughly and rake the soil.
Once your seedlings start germinating, you should thin them out and leave at least 3 inches of space between each plant, as overcrowding can quickly kill off your plant.
Remember to apply quality mulch, like 100% Natural Cedar Shavings Mulch, around your plants to retain moisture in the soil!
Never let your kale dry out. This plant requires consistent moisture (but not too boggy), so aim to water it with at least one to two inches of water per week.
This is why mulch is essential. It will help keep this moisture in and prevent your kale from drying out.
When Should You Pick Kale?
Your kale should be ready to pick two months after your seeds have been sown. At this point, your plants will be healthy and should have produced within the region of ten leaves.
You’ll usually see smaller leaves at the center of the plant and larger ones on the outside. However, if you want to pick baby kale, aim to pick it around 25 days after the seeds are sown.
Kale is ready to harvest once in the late spring or summer and once again in the fall. If you wait too long to pick it, the leaves may become discolored.
How To Harvest Kale
If you harvest your kale correctly, you’ll have a fresh batch every time. This will make it perfect for cooking in soups, stews, or even raw in salads!
Harvesting is surprisingly easy, and you need to know only a few things.
First, when you’re ready to harvest, grasp a leaf with one hand and cut the base (near the stem) with sharp shears or scissors.
When you harvest your kale, be careful not to cut the root. Your kale plant will continue to produce leaves for quite a while after harvesting, and if you cut the root, you risk not encouraging any new growth.
So, when you cut your leaves near the base, leave everything else on the plant alone, including any new growth, visible stems, and especially the roots.
When it’s time to harvest, we recommend picking off the largest and oldest leaves first.
These can be found near the base of the plant. They’ll be closest to going bitter, which means they’ll have the best taste and give you the most authentic kale-eating experience.
Harvesting these leaves first will also ensure your plant continues to produce new growth.
Another important thing to remember is that you should NEVER pick the terminal bud.
The terminal bud sits at the center of the plant, and if you maintain its position, your plant will continue to be productive for a much longer period.
Remember: regular harvests are essential. If you neglect to harvest the leaves regularly, they’ll die off pretty quickly, and you’ll be wasting your kale.
Plus, every time leaves die on the plant, it discourages the kale from producing more growth.
Once you’ve harvested the crop, we recommend coming back every week to check for new leaves and remove any mature ones.
Harvesting In Fall
Your kale plant will also produce new growth in the fall, and it’s essential to harvest until after the first frost.
Believe it or not, a frost won’t damage your kale, giving it a much sweeter taste!
Frost will increase the sugar in the leaves, so if you like sweet kale, harvest the first frost AFTER (not before).
When you harvest your kale, remove any yellow or spotted leaves. If left on the plant, these will drain energy away from the kale and prevent the new growth from getting the nutrients it needs.
Removing damaged leaves is the best way to extend your harvest, so don’t neglect it!
Frequently Asked Questions: When to Harvest Kale
1. When is kale ready to harvest?
Kale is typically ready to harvest when the leaves are about the size of your hand. Depending on the variety, this usually occurs around 55 to 75 days after planting. Harvest young, tender leaves for the best flavor and texture. Cut the outer leaves first, allowing the inner leaves to continue growing.
2. Should I wait for kale to flower before harvesting?
Kale should be harvested before it starts to flower. Flowering can make the leaves tough and bitter. Regularly harvesting the outer leaves helps promote continuous growth and prevent flowering.
3. Can I harvest kale after it has been exposed to frost?
Kale can become sweeter and more flavorful after exposure to light frost. However, prolonged exposure to very low temperatures can damage the plant. It is best to harvest kale before the onset of severe frost.
4. When is the best time to harvest kale?
Kale can be harvested once the leaves are large enough for consumption, typically about 2-3 months after planting. For sweeter and more tender leaves, it is best to harvest kale in the cooler months of spring or fall.
5. How do I know when kale is ready to be harvested?
Kale leaves can be harvested when they reach about 6-8 inches. Pick the outer leaves first, leaving the inner leaves to grow for future harvests.
6. Is there a specific time of day best for harvesting kale?
Kale can be harvested anytime, but early morning is often preferred as the leaves are crisp and moist. Avoid harvesting in the day’s heat, as the leaves may wilt quickly.
The Bottom Line
You can try growing kale even if you’re new to running a vegetable garden.
This nutrient-dense leafy green is a powerhouse of nutrients, and it’s so easy to grow that you have no excuse not to try it yourself!
Although kale can withstand the cold, keep it covered in the depths of winter to keep it as fresh as possible. Once harvested, consume your kale within at least two weeks.
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