How to Grow Curly Scotch Kale
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Curly Scotch Kale
Brassica oleracea var. acephala
vegetableCurly Scotch kale is a hardy, cold-tolerant leafy green with deeply frilled, dark green leaves that become sweeter after frost. This classic variety is rich in nutrients and improves in flavor during cool weather. It's one of the most recognizable kale varieties and extremely productive throughout the growing season.
When should you plant Curly Scotch Kale in your zone?
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Example Curly Scotch Kale timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Curly Scotch Kale
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Curly Scotch Kale
Around Jun 11≈ 55 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Curly Scotch Kale dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-10; most productive in zones 3-8
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Get my Curly Scotch Kale timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
10-14 daysTiny oval seed leaves emerge, followed by first true leaves. Plant is delicate and vulnerable.
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light (grow lights 12-16 hours/day indoors). Maintain temperatures of 65-75°F. Thin seedlings to strongest plant if direct seeding.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlant develops more leaves from the center, creating bushy foliage. Leaves are still tender and light green.
Water regularly and deeply. Begin light fertilizing with balanced or nitrogen-heavy fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Remove any yellow or damaged leaves. Thin or space plants to 18 inches apart if not done earlier.
Mature Leaf Development
4-6 weeks (overlaps with harvest)Plant reaches full size with deeply curled, dark green leaves forming a dense, mounding plant. Leaves develop their characteristic frilly texture.
Continue consistent watering and fertilizing. Begin harvesting outer leaves once plant reaches 10-12 inches tall. Kale becomes noticeably sweeter after a light frost (below 40°F). Protect from heavy freezes in coldest zones.
Extended Harvest
8-12+ weeks (season-dependent)Plant continues producing new leaves from the center while outer leaves are harvested. In cool climates, this stage extends through fall and into winter.
Harvest outer leaves regularly to encourage new growth from the center. Continue watering during dry spells. In very cold zones, mulch around the base for protection. Feed every 3-4 weeks with light nitrogen fertilizer.
Senescence/End of Season
Variable; plant life ends or transformsPlant stops producing new leaves, may flower in spring (if overwintered), or gradually declines as temperatures become too hot.
In cool climates, kale can overwinter and regrow in spring. In hot climates, cease watering and remove plant. Allow to bolt only if saving seed.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick caterpillars and eggs daily. Use fine mesh row covers before pests appear. Apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) or spinosad if infestation is severe. Plant dill and other trap crops nearby.
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Handpick or use row covers. Apply Bt when caterpillars are small. Encourage parasitic wasps by planting flowering cover crops nearby.
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Use row covers on young plants. Dust with food-grade diatomaceous earth. Apply kaolin clay spray. These pests mostly bother seedlings; mature plants tolerate damage well.
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Spray with strong water stream to dislodge. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings. Most damage is cosmetic on kale.
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Use yellow sticky traps to monitor and control. Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Improve air circulation to reduce humidity. Remove heavily infested leaves.
Uses
Nutritious leafy green
CulinaryCurly Scotch kale is excellent in salads, smoothies, soups, sautés, and chips. The deeply textured leaves hold dressings well and become tender when cooked. Blanch before freezing for preservation. [source]
Nutrient-dense superfood
MedicinalKale is exceptionally rich in vitamins A, C, K, calcium, iron, and antioxidants. It contains glucosinolates, compounds studied for potential anti-cancer properties. Regular consumption supports bone health, immune function, and cardiovascular wellness. [source]
Ornamental edible
HouseholdThe deeply frilled foliage of Curly Scotch kale makes it visually striking in vegetable gardens and can be incorporated into decorative landscape designs. Its dramatic texture adds interest to mixed plantings. [source]
Pollinator support
WildlifeIf allowed to flower in spring or overwintering, kale produces abundant yellow flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. The plant also supports beneficial insects throughout the growing season. [source]
Flavor improvement through frost
CulinaryCold temperatures trigger conversion of starches to sugars, making post-frost kale noticeably sweeter and milder. This cold-sweetening effect is particularly pronounced in Curly Scotch variety. [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 outer leaves when plant reaches 10-12 inches tall (about 3-4 weeks after transplanting). Pick leaves from the bottom up, working outward; the center continues producing new leaves. Harvest in the morning for maximum crispness. Curly Scotch kale becomes significantly sweeter after frost, so delay main harvest until after first light freeze if possible. Continuous leaf harvesting extends the productive season through fall and winter. Cut leaves just above where they attach to the stem. Mature plants can produce for 3-6 months with proper care.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Curly Scotch kale can survive freezing temperatures that would kill most other vegetables; some sources report plants surviving below 0°F once established and hardened off.
- 🌱 A single mature kale plant can produce leaves continuously for 3-6 months with proper harvesting, making it one of the highest-yield vegetables per plant in the garden.
- 🌱 Kale's flavor is noticeably transformed by cold weather—frost converts starches to sugars, making leaves significantly sweeter, which is why kale is primarily a fall/winter crop in many regions.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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