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How to Grow Grelos Kale

Grelos Kale

Brassica oleracea var. acephala

vegetable

Grelos kale, also known as Portuguese kale or tronchuda kale, is a leafy green crucifer featuring tender, edible flower shoots and succulent stems alongside its large, crinkled leaves. This cold-hardy brassica is prized for its mild, slightly sweet flavor and tender texture compared to standard kale varieties. It produces nutritious greens and flowering shoots that can be harvested multiple times throughout the season.

Looking for a specific variety?

Grelos Spigariello Tronchuda Portuguese Cabbage Kale Galega Kale Penachada

When should you plant Grelos Kale in your zone?

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Example Grelos Kale timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Grelos Kale

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Grelos Kale

    Around Jun 16

    ≈ 60 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Grelos Kale dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; tolerates partial shade in hot climates
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Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide 1-1.5 inches per week through rainfall or irrigation. More frequent watering needed during hot periods to prevent bolting and bitterness.
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Spacing: 12 inches
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Days to maturity: 60-90 days from transplant; 70-100 days from direct seed
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Planting depth: 0.25-0.5 inches for seeds; transplants at same depth as in nursery containers

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil rich in organic matter
pH: 6.0-7.5
Amendments:
Compost or aged manure Balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) Lime if soil pH is below 6.0 Nitrogen-rich amendments for leaf production

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 3-10; prefers cool-season growing in spring and fall, with winter production possible in zones 8-10

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a

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Growth Stages

1

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Small plants with 2-4 true leaves emerge 7-14 days after planting. Seedlings are fragile with tender foliage.

Provide consistent moisture and bright light. Thin direct-seeded plants to proper spacing once true leaves appear. Protect from excessive heat.

2

Vegetative Growth

3-4 weeks

Rapid expansion of deeply lobed, crinkled leaves; plant develops strong central stem. Foliage becomes darker green and more substantial.

Maintain consistent watering and provide nitrogen-rich fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Remove any damaged outer leaves. Monitor for pests.

3

Leaf Production & Flowering Shoot Development

4-6 weeks

Plant reaches mature size with abundant foliage; tender flower shoots begin forming in leaf axils. Shoots are tender, slightly yellowish-green, resembling broccoli rabe.

Begin harvesting outer leaves and emerging flower shoots. Continue regular fertilizing and watering. Pinch back top growth to encourage side shoot development.

4

Extended Harvest

4-8 weeks

Plant enters heavy production phase with continuous emergence of new flower shoots and regenerating foliage. Mature plants can withstand light frosts.

Harvest regularly to encourage more branching and shoot production. Continue watering and light feeding. In cold climates, harvest before hard freezes.

5

Senescence

Variable

Plant eventually bolts and flowers with yellow brassica flowers if left unharvested. Growth slows and flavor may become more bitter.

Remove plants once productivity declines or in spring when temperatures warm. Compost spent plants or allow to set seed for future crops.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Beets Carrots Celery Chard Garlic Onions Thyme Chamomile Dill Borage

Avoid planting near:

Tomatoes Peppers Eggplants Fennel Cabbage (other brassicas in close proximity—space 12+ inches) Kohlrabi Broccoli

Common Pests

  • Use row covers during early growth; apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt); handpick caterpillars; encourage parasitic wasps

  • Apply Bt spray every 7-10 days; use netting; handpick; introduce beneficial insects

  • Use floating row covers; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap; diatomaceous earth; encourage predatory beetles

  • Strong water spray to dislodge; insecticidal soap; neem oil; attract ladybugs with flowering companion plants

  • Yellow sticky traps; insecticidal soap; neem oil; vacuum up adults with small handheld vacuum

  • Avoid planting brassicas in same location for 4+ years; improve drainage; lime soil to pH 7.0+; remove infected plants

Uses

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Tender Greens & Shoots

Culinary

Grelos kale leaves and flower shoots are milder and more tender than standard kale, making them excellent for sautéing, steaming, or raw in salads. The shoots taste similar to broccoli rabe with a sweet, nutty flavor. [source]

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Portuguese & Mediterranean Cuisine

Culinary

A staple in Portuguese cooking, grelos are traditionally sautéed with garlic and olive oil, or added to soups and stews. Popular in Mediterranean and Spanish dishes where the tender shoots are valued. [source]

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Nutritional & Antioxidant Benefits

Medicinal

Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, along with glucosinolates and other cancer-fighting compounds found in cruciferous vegetables. Supports bone health, immune function, and cardiovascular wellness. [source]

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Extended Season Production

Household

Excellent for fall and winter gardening in cooler zones; provides fresh greens when other crops have finished. Cold-hardy variety allows harvesting even after light frosts. [source]

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Pollinator & Beneficial Insect Support

Wildlife

If left to flower, grelos kale produces abundant yellow brassica flowers that attract bees, hoverflies, and other beneficial pollinators and predatory insects. [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 and tender flower shoots once plant reaches 12-18 inches tall (usually 60-90 days). Pinch or cut shoots from the leaf axils when 3-6 inches long for maximum tenderness. Harvest regularly to encourage continuous production—cut shoots just above the leaf node. Leaves can be harvested individually or in clusters. Best flavor after a light frost. Continue harvesting until plant bolts or temperatures exceed 75°F consistently. Morning harvest yields crispest greens.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Grelos kale is native to Portugal and northern Spain, where it has been cultivated for centuries and remains a traditional winter vegetable in Portuguese cuisine.
  • 🌱 The tender flower shoots that develop in leaf axils are sometimes called 'broccoli rabe' in flavor profile, though they are genetically distinct and softer than true rapini.
  • 🌱 Grelos kale is exceptionally cold-hardy and can be left in the garden through winter in many zones, actually improving in flavor after exposure to frost due to increased sugar content and reduced bitterness.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Bolt Compost Full Sun Partial Shade pH Pinch Back True Leaves
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