How to Grow Perennial Kale
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Perennial Kale
Brassica oleracea var. acephala
vegetablePerennial kale is a long-lived brassica that produces tender, nutritious leaves year-round without replanting. Unlike annual kale varieties, it regrows after harvesting and can produce for 3-5+ years from a single plant. It's extremely cold-hardy and becomes sweeter after frost.
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Example Perennial Kale timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Perennial 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 Perennial Kale
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Perennial Kale dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 4-9; best in cooler climates (zones 4-7)
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Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny cotyledons emerge, developing true leaves. Plant is delicate and small.
Keep soil consistently moist. Provide bright light and gentle air circulation. Protect from direct wind.
Vegetative Establishment
3-4 weeksPlant develops 4-6 true leaves and strengthens root system. Growth accelerates.
Thin seedlings to proper spacing. Begin hardening off transplants outdoors. Water regularly. Apply light fertilizer every 2-3 weeks.
Growth & Development
4-6 weeksPlant reaches 12-18 inches with robust leaf production. Root system deepens.
Water consistently 1-2 inches weekly. Mulch around base to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Apply balanced organic fertilizer monthly.
Harvesting & Maintenance
3-5+ yearsPlant produces abundant tender leaves ready for harvest. Can be cut repeatedly.
Begin harvesting outer leaves when plant is 12+ inches tall. Remove leaves from bottom up. Never strip more than 1/3 of foliage at once. Continue regular watering and feeding.
Winter Dormancy & Renewal
2-4 months (varies by zone)Growth slows in winter; flavor becomes sweeter after frost. Leaves may look damaged but plant survives.
Reduce watering in winter. Harvest sparingly or stop during deep freeze. Remove any dead/diseased leaves. Plant will resume vigorous growth in spring.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick caterpillars; use row covers; apply Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis); plant dill and fennel nearby to attract parasitic wasps
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Use row covers on young plants; spray with neem oil; dust with diatomaceous earth; plant nasturtium as trap crop
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Spray with strong water stream; apply insecticidal soap; use neem oil; encourage ladybugs and parasitic wasps
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Use yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; improve air circulation
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and
Hand-pick at dawn/dusk; create barriers with copper tape; use organic slug bait; encourage ground beetles
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Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; spray with sulfur or potassium bicarbonate solution
Uses
Nutrient-dense salads and cooking greens
CulinaryPerennial kale leaves are rich in vitamins A, C, K, and minerals. Use tender young leaves raw in salads or cook mature leaves as a nutritious green. [source]
Soups, stews, and smoothies
CulinaryHardy leaves withstand cooking and add body to soups and stews. Tender leaves blend well in green smoothies and juices. [source]
Anti-inflammatory health benefits
MedicinalKale is a cruciferous vegetable high in glucosinolates and antioxidants linked to anti-inflammatory and potential cancer-protective properties. [source]
Sustainable vegetable gardening
HouseholdPerennial kale provides 3-5+ years of harvests from a single planting, reducing replanting labor and making it economical for home gardens. [source]
Pollinator and beneficial insect support
WildlifeKale flowers (if allowed to bolt) attract bees, butterflies, and beneficial parasitic wasps. Companion herbs attract additional pollinators. [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 off outer leaves, working from bottom to top. Never remove more than 1/3 of foliage at once to allow continued growth. Harvest regularly to encourage productivity; plants produce for years with proper harvesting. Young leaves are most tender. Flavor improves after a light frost. Morning harvest yields crispest leaves.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Perennial kale can produce for 3-5 years or longer without replanting, making it one of the most efficient crops for a home garden.
- 🌱 Kale becomes noticeably sweeter after frost because cold triggers conversion of starches to sugars, a natural antifreeze mechanism in the plant.
- 🌱 Perennial kale varieties like 'Daubenton' and 'Westlandse' can reach 4-6 feet tall over time and have been grown by the same families for generations in Europe.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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