🥬 How to Grow Kale from Seeds

Common Names:

• Hindi: केल / करम साग

• Tamil: கேல் கீரை

• Telugu: కేల్ ఆకులు

• Malayalam: കേൽ ഇല

• Kannada: ಕೇಲ್ ಎಲೆಗಳು

• English: Kale

• Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea (Acephala group)

1. Choose the Right Season

Cool-season leafy green

Best time to sow:

• Winter crop: Sep–Feb (ideal in most parts of India)

• Hills: Also possible in summer (Apr–Jun)

Ideal Temperature: 10°C–25°C
Can tolerate light frost — cold enhances taste and tenderness

2. Prepare the Soil

Soil Type: Well-drained loamy or sandy loam soil
pH Level: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0)

Mix in rich compost, cow dung manure, and a handful of wood ash or neem cake before sowing
Raised beds or wide pots help prevent waterlogging

3. Sow the Seeds

Depth: ½ inch (1.2 cm) deep
Spacing:

• In garden beds: 12–15 inches between plants

• In pots (12–14 inch deep): Sow 2–3 seeds, thin to the healthiest plant

Water gently after sowing

4. Watering

Keep soil evenly moist, not soggy
Water 2–3 times per week depending on climate
Mulching helps retain moisture and regulate temperature

5. Germination

Seeds germinate in 5–10 days
Ensure good sunlight and warmth for strong seedlings
Thin overcrowded seedlings early

6. Sunlight & Temperature

Needs 5–6 hours of direct sunlight daily
Thrives in cool weather — ideal in 15°C to 25°C
In hotter regions, provide afternoon shade or sow in late winter

7. Fertilization

Add compost every 2–3 weeks
Liquid feeds like diluted seaweed extract or banana peel tea support leafy growth
Avoid excessive nitrogen to prevent leggy growth

8. Pest Control

Common pests: Aphids, cabbage loopers, flea beetles
Use neem oil + mild soap spray every 10–15 days
Cover young plants with netting or row cover if infestation risk is high
Remove yellow or damaged leaves regularly

9. Harvesting

Ready in 50–70 days
Harvest outer leaves when 6–8 inches long — allow center to keep growing
You can cut-and-come-again for continuous harvest over 2–3 months
Younger leaves are more tender and milder in taste

10. Regrow Tip

Let a few plants bolt (flower and seed) in late season
Collect seeds once pods dry and turn brown
Store dry seeds in an airtight container for next season

🥗 Health Benefits of Kale

• Rich in Vitamins A, C, and K – boosts immunity and bone health

• High in antioxidants – reduces oxidative stress

• Great for digestion – loaded with fiber

• Supports heart health – low in calories, high in nutrients

• Anti-inflammatory properties – thanks to omega-3s and flavonoids