How to Grow Evergreen Giant
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Evergreen Giant
Brassica oleracea var. acephala
vegetableEvergreen Giant is a cold-hardy kale variety known for its large, deeply curled dark green leaves and exceptional winter hardiness. This vigorous plant produces abundant foliage that becomes sweeter after frost exposure. It's a staple for gardeners seeking reliable year-round production in cold climates.
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Example Evergreen Giant timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Evergreen Giant
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 Evergreen Giant
Around Jun 11≈ 55 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Evergreen Giant dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9, with exceptional cold tolerance making it ideal for northern regions
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Get my Evergreen Giant timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksSmall rounded cotyledons emerge, followed by true leaves with slight texture. Plant is delicate and pale green.
Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Provide bright light to prevent leggy growth. Maintain temperatures 60-70°F.
Vegetative/Rosette Formation
3-5 weeksPlant develops its characteristic deeply curled, blue-green foliage in a compact mound. Leaves become progressively larger and more textured.
Ensure consistent watering and nutrient availability. Apply balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks. Thin seedlings to proper spacing.
Established Growth
4-8 weeksLarge, abundant curled leaves form a dense rosette. Plant reaches 18-30 inches tall and spreads accordingly. Foliage is dark green and fully textured.
Continue regular watering and fertilizing. Mulch around base to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Monitor for pests.
Peak Production
6-12+ weeksPlant reaches full size with maximum leaf development. Leaves are large, deeply curled, and tender. Quality improves after frost exposure.
Begin harvesting outer leaves. Continue watering deeply during dry periods. Cold exposure enhances sweetness and flavor.
Extended Harvest
Until spring bolting or severe coldPlant continues producing harvestable leaves throughout fall and winter in cold climates. May bolt in spring as temperatures warm.
Continue harvesting outer leaves from bottom up. Reduce watering in cold, wet conditions. Remove any yellowed or damaged leaves.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Use row covers, hand-pick caterpillars, apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), encourage beneficial wasps
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Use fine row covers, spray neem oil, diatomaceous earth, intercrop with trap plants
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Hand removal, Bt spray, floating row covers, encourage predatory insects
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Strong water spray, insecticidal soap, neem oil, release ladybugs or parasitic wasps
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Yellow sticky traps, neem oil, reflective mulch, strong water spray
Uses
Nutritious leafy green
CulinaryEvergreen Giant kale is excellent raw in salads, massaged with oil and lemon, or cooked into soups, stews, and sautés. The leaves become sweeter and more tender after frost exposure, making them particularly pleasant for eating. [source]
Wellness and superfood
MedicinalKale is renowned for its high concentration of vitamins (K, C, A), minerals (calcium, iron, potassium), and phytonutrients including glucosinolates and sulforaphane. Regular consumption is linked to anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. [source]
Juice and smoothie ingredient
HouseholdEvergreen Giant's tender leaves are ideal for green juices and smoothies, providing dense nutrition in a small volume. The mild flavor after frost makes it particularly appealing for blending with fruits and other vegetables. [source]
Winter food source for pollinators and birds
WildlifeOver-wintered kale plants provide vital food sources for bees, butterflies, and birds during cold months when other forage is scarce. The flowering plants in spring are excellent nectar sources. [source]
Decorative garden accent
CraftThe dramatic, deeply curled blue-green foliage of Evergreen Giant makes it ornamentally attractive in vegetable gardens and landscape borders. The architectural form and rich color add visual interest. [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 is 12+ inches tall, allowing inner leaves to continue growing. Pinch or cut leaves 2-3 inches above the base. Harvest regularly to encourage bushier growth. Flavor improves significantly after frost. Leaves are most tender in morning. Can continue harvesting through winter in mild climates; plant will bolt in spring as temperatures rise.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Evergreen Giant kale becomes sweeter and more flavorful after exposure to frost, as the plant converts starches to sugars for natural antifreeze protection—a process called cold-sweetening.
- 🌱 A single established kale plant can produce leaves continuously for 8-12 months or longer in mild climates, making it one of the most productive garden vegetables per square foot.
- 🌱 Kale is a member of the Brassica genus, making it a close relative of cabbage, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts—all descended from the same wild coastal plant species.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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