How to Grow Curly Kale

Curly Kale

Brassica oleracea var. acephala

vegetable

Curly kale is a cold-hardy, nutrient-dense leafy green with deeply frilled, textured leaves that grow in loose rosettes. It's one of the most nutritious vegetables available, packed with vitamins A, C, K, and minerals. The flavor becomes sweeter and more tender after exposure to frost.

Looking for a specific variety?

Winterbor Lacinato Dinosaur Redbor Scarlet Ornamental Purple

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6+ hours daily; tolerates partial shade in warm climates

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Water: Consistent moisture; water deeply 1-2 times weekly. Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. More drought-tolerant than other brassicas once established.

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Spacing: 18-24 inches

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Days to maturity: 55-75 days from transplant; 70-90 days from seed

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Planting depth: 0.25 inches for seeds; transplants at soil level

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil rich in organic matter

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

compost aged manure nitrogen-rich fertilizer kelp meal

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 2-9; prefers cool seasons and is extremely cold-hardy

2a 2b 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b

Growth Stages

Seedling

4-5 weeks

Tiny plants with first true leaves appearing; 2-4 weeks old with 2-4 leaves

Keep soil consistently moist. Provide bright light indoors. Thin seedlings to prevent crowding and disease. Begin hardening off after 4-5 weeks.

Transplant/Establishment

1-2 weeks

Stocky seedlings 4-6 inches tall with 6-8 true leaves, ready for outdoor planting

Harden off for 7-10 days. Transplant after last frost (or in late summer for fall crop). Water well after planting. Mulch around base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Vegetative Growth

4-6 weeks

Plant develops thick central stem and increasingly large, deeply curled leaves forming a rosette

Water consistently and deeply. Feed every 3-4 weeks with nitrogen-rich fertilizer or compost tea. Remove lower yellow leaves. Monitor for cabbage worms and other pests. Mulch maintains moisture and suppresses weeds.

Leaf Development

3-4 weeks

Mature plants with full, tender leaves; 12-18 inches tall with abundant deeply-frilled foliage

Begin harvesting outer leaves once plant is 12 inches tall. Continue feeding and watering. Plant becomes sweeter after light frost. Remove any diseased leaves promptly.

Harvest & Continued Production

4-8 weeks or more

Mature plant producing new central leaves as outer leaves are harvested; can produce through winter in many zones

Harvest outer leaves regularly to encourage new growth. In cold zones, plants produce through winter. In warm zones, may bolt in heat; provide afternoon shade if needed. Remove any flower buds to extend leaf production.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

beets carrots chamomile dill garlic lettuce onions potatoes thyme

Avoid planting near:

cabbage broccoli cauliflower kohlrabi tomatoes fennel

Common Pests

Use row covers on young plants. Handpick caterpillars. Apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). Plant companion herbs like dill and thyme. Use neem oil if needed.
Use row covers immediately after transplanting. Spray neem oil or insecticidal soap. Keep plants vigorous with consistent watering and feeding. Diatomaceous earth around base.
Handpick larger caterpillars. Apply Bt spray. Use row covers on young plants. Encourage beneficial insects like parasitic wasps.
Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Use yellow sticky traps. Increase air circulation. Remove infested leaves.
Strong water spray to dislodge. Insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encourage beneficial insects. Remove heavily infested leaves.

Uses

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Raw salads and smoothies

Culinary

Young, tender leaves are excellent raw in salads and blended into smoothies. The curly texture adds visual appeal and interesting mouthfeel. Massage raw leaves with a little salt to soften them slightly. [source]

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Cooked greens and chips

Culinary

Sauté with garlic and olive oil, add to soups and stews, or bake into crispy kale chips. Cooking mellows the slight bitterness and makes the leaves more tender. Curly varieties are ideal for crisp chips. [source]

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Nutritional powerhouse

Medicinal

Extremely high in vitamins K, A, and C, plus calcium, iron, and antioxidants. Often considered a superfood for disease prevention and immune support. Contains compounds like sulforaphane and indoles with purported anti-cancer properties. [source]

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Juicing and wellness drinks

Culinary

A primary ingredient in green juices and detox beverages. Provides concentrated nutrients in liquid form. Blends well with fruits to improve palatability. [source]

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Wildlife food source

Wildlife

Chickens and other poultry love kale leaves. Also provides food for beneficial insects. A permaculture staple for edible animal feed. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Begin harvesting when plant reaches 12 inches tall by pinching or cutting outer leaves 1-2 inches above the base, working from bottom upward. Inner leaves will continue growing. Harvest in morning for best quality. Can harvest for 2-3+ months. Cold exposure (light frost) improves flavor and texture. Cut entire plant at base before hard freeze if needed.

Fun Facts

🌱 Curly kale actually becomes sweeter and more tender after exposure to freezing temperatures—many growers wait for a light frost before harvesting for peak flavor.
🌱 Kale can be incredibly productive: a single plant can provide leaves for weeks or even months of harvesting with proper care and can survive winter in many zones.
🌱 One cup of raw curly kale contains more vitamin K than the daily recommended amount for most adults, making it one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet.

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