How to Grow Daubenton's Kale
Wikimedia Commons
Daubenton's Kale
Brassica oleracea var. acephala
vegetableDaubenton is a perennial kale variety originating from France, known for its ability to regrow after harvesting and produce leaves year-round in mild climates. Unlike annual kales, it develops a woody stem and can live for multiple years, continuously sprouting new leaves from the top. It's an heirloom variety prized by gardeners for its productivity and cold hardiness.
When should you plant Daubenton's Kale in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Daubenton's Kale timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Daubenton's Kale
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Daubenton's Kale
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Daubenton's Kale dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 4-9; thrives in cool to moderate climates and survives freezing temperatures
Sign up free to see if Daubenton's Kale grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Daubenton's Kale timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
3-4 weeksSmall plantlets with 2-4 true leaves emerging; tender and delicate.
Keep soil consistently moist, provide bright light, thin seedlings to prevent crowding, protect from wind.
Establishment
4-6 weeksYoung plant developing a sturdy stem and multiple leaves; 6-12 inches tall.
Harden off transplants gradually, plant out after last frost, mulch around base, water regularly, support with a stake if needed.
Vegetative Growth
6-8 weeks (first year); continues indefinitely in perennial growthPlant develops robust stem and abundant foliage; can reach 3-4 feet tall depending on conditions.
Apply balanced fertilizer monthly, maintain consistent watering, mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds, watch for pests, remove damaged leaves.
Harvesting & Maintenance
Ongoing; 2-3 years per plantPlant produces harvestable leaves continuously; stem becomes increasingly woody over seasons.
Begin harvesting when plant is 12-18 inches tall, remove lower leaves first, leave top 5-6 leaves to support growth, continue harvesting throughout season and over winter in mild climates.
Perennial Management
Year 2-4+Established plant with thick woody stem, multiple new growth points, and year-round leaf production.
In spring, prune hard to encourage bushy new growth and remove old diseased wood, top-dress with compost, maintain water during dry spells, replace plants after 3-4 years if productivity declines.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Use row covers during egg-laying season, apply Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis), handpick caterpillars, encourage predatory wasps.
-
Spray with strong water stream to dislodge, use insecticidal soap, apply neem oil, release ladybugs or parasitic wasps.
-
Use row covers on young plants, apply neem oil or diatomaceous earth, plant trap crops like radish nearby.
-
Apply Bt spray, handpick larvae, encourage parasitic wasps, use pheromone traps for monitoring.
-
Use yellow sticky traps, apply neem oil or insecticidal soap, spray with water, encourage natural predators.
Uses
Nutritious Leafy Green
CulinaryDaubenton kale is edible with a mild flavor, slightly sweeter than common kales, and excellent raw in salads or cooked in soups, stews, and smoothies. Young leaves are especially tender and versatile. [source]
Long-Term Harvest
CulinaryUnlike annual kales, Daubenton's perennial nature allows continuous harvesting from a single plant for years, providing fresh greens without replanting annually. [source]
Nutritional Powerhouse
MedicinalRich in vitamins K, C, and A, plus calcium, iron, and antioxidants. Regular consumption supports bone health, immune function, and anti-inflammatory benefits typical of brassicas. [source]
Wildlife Support
WildlifeKale flowers (which appear if plant is allowed to bolt) attract pollinators and beneficial insects. The plant also provides shelter and food for garden fauna. [source]
Ornamental Vegetable
HouseholdWith its tall stem and abundant foliage, Daubenton kale can function as an ornamental plant in edible gardens, providing visual interest and structure alongside its culinary benefits. [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 is 12-18 inches tall by removing outer leaves from the bottom up, leaving the top 5-6 leaves intact to support continued growth. Harvest regularly to encourage new leaf production. Young leaves are more tender; older outer leaves are tougher but still edible. In mild climates, harvesting can continue through fall and winter. A single plant can provide leaves for several years with proper maintenance.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Daubenton kale was developed in France in the 19th century and is sometimes called 'Thousand-Headed Kale' because of its prolific regrowth and multitude of harvestable leaves.
- 🌱 Unlike most vegetables, a single Daubenton plant can remain productive for 3-4 years, making it one of the most economical perennial vegetables for the home gardener.
- 🌱 Daubenton kale can tolerate temperatures down to 10°F (-12°C) or lower, making it ideal for winter gardening in cold climates and providing fresh greens when little else is growing.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Daubenton's Kale planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Daubenton's Kale seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Daubenton's Kale timeline →