• Scientific name: Brassica oleracea
• Also known as: Kale, Dino Kale, Tuscan or Italian Kale
• Ideal planting time: February-September
• Biennial, often grown as annual. Approximate days until harvest: 30 days baby, 65 full
• Seed supplier: Adaptive Seeds

Growing & Seed Saving Tips

From Adaptive Seeds:

Sow indoors with good potting soil February through September. Transplant about 3-4 weeks after sprouting. In our region, kale can grow through the winter without protection, and survives best when sown in June or early July for this purpose. Alternatively, direct sow March through September.

Seed Saving

To maintain genetic diversity and prevent inbreeding, collect seeds from 10 or more plants of B. napus varieties, or 30 or more plants of B. oleracea. Cut seed heads when pods are dry, place on tarp, thresh by hand or by dancing.  Winnow and screen to clean. Isolate from other Brassicas of the same species by ½ mile.

Share your knowledge!

Do you have planting tips, photos, or recipes to share? You can contribute to this planting guide to help others using the UW Tacoma Seed Library by filling out the feedback and submission form.