How to Grow Vates Kale
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Vates Kale
Brassica oleracea var. acephala 'Vates'
vegetableVates is a cold-hardy, blue-green curly kale variety renowned for its exceptional frost tolerance and sweetness after freezing. This heirloom cultivar produces deeply frilled, densely packed leaves on compact plants that rarely exceed 2-3 feet tall. It's a favorite among home gardeners for winter harvests and exceptional flavor.
When should you plant Vates Kale in your zone?
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Example Vates Kale timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Vates 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 Vates Kale
Around Jun 11≈ 55 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Vates Kale dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9; exceptional cold tolerance makes it ideal for zones 3-6 winter growing
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Get my Vates Kale timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
10-14 daysSmall cotyledons emerge, followed by the first true leaves with characteristic serrated edges
Keep soil consistently moist. Provide bright light and maintain 65-75°F. Thin seedlings to prevent damping-off.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlant develops 4-6 true leaves; rosette structure begins forming with increasingly frilled foliage
Water deeply but allow soil surface to dry slightly between waterings. Begin hardening off transplants 7-10 days before planting out. Side-dress with compost at 3 weeks.
Establishment
2-3 weeksPlant reaches 6-12 inches tall with dense, deeply curled leaves; root system establishes in garden soil
Mulch around base to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Scout for cabbage worms and aphids. Provide consistent water (1 inch weekly).
Leaf Production & Maturity
4-6 weeksPlant reaches full size (2-3 feet), producing abundant large, densely frilled leaves ready for harvest
Begin harvesting outer leaves once plant is 8-10 inches tall. Continue regular watering. Vates becomes sweeter after light frost (below 50°F).
Extended Harvest
8-16 weeks or until hard freezePlant continues producing new leaves throughout fall and winter in cold climates; flavor improves with frost exposure
Harvest outer leaves regularly to encourage new growth. Vates tolerates temperatures down to 0°F once established. Minimal pest pressure in cold months.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Use row covers until flowering, handpick caterpillars, spray Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis), or neem oil. Plant nasturtiums as trap crop.
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Row covers, handpicking, Bt spray, spinosad, or parasitic wasp introduction. Scout leaf undersides.
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Strong water spray, insecticidal soap, neem oil, or reflective mulch. Encourage ladybugs and lacewings.
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Row covers, neem oil, diatomaceous earth, or spinosad. More problematic on young seedlings.
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Handpick and destroy egg clusters, row covers, reflective mulch, or pyrethrin spray. More common in warm regions.
Uses
Cooked greens and braising
CulinaryVates kale is excellent for sautéing, braising, and adding to soups and stews. The densely frilled leaves soften quickly with cooking, and the flavor becomes mild and slightly sweet after frost. Traditionally used in Southern cuisine for collard-style preparations. [source]
Salads and raw preparations
CulinaryYoung Vates leaves work in raw salads with massage to break down fibers. Post-frost leaves are less bitter and more tender for raw use. Increasingly popular in modern cuisine for its visual appeal and nutritional density. [source]
Nutritional and anti-inflammatory support
MedicinalVates kale is extremely high in vitamins K, A, and C, plus calcium, iron, and antioxidants. Compounds like sulforaphane and indoles have been studied for anti-inflammatory and potential cancer-preventive properties in the Brassica family. [source]
Juice and smoothie base
HouseholdVates leaves are popular in green juices and smoothies for their nutrient density and relatively mild flavor compared to other kale varieties. The post-frost sweet flavor makes it more palatable in juice blends. [source]
Pollinator and beneficial insect support
WildlifeIf allowed to flower in spring, Vates produces small yellow brassica flowers that attract bees and other pollinators. The plant also harbors beneficial insects when grown with companion herbs. [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 once plant reaches 8-10 inches tall, typically 4-6 weeks after transplanting. Pinch or cut the oldest outer leaves at the base, leaving the central growing point intact for continued production. Vates becomes noticeably sweeter after a light frost (below 50°F) as starches convert to sugars—optimal flavor occurs after several frosts. Harvest regularly to encourage tender new growth and extend season. Plants can produce for 8-16 weeks in cool weather. Morning harvest after dew dries yields crispest leaves.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Vates is an heirloom variety that has been continuously grown since the 1940s and remains one of the most cold-hardy kale cultivars available. It was originally bred for southern US winter gardens and Appalachian regions.
- 🌱 The name 'Vates' likely derives from its heritage in Southern growing regions, though the exact origin is debated among heirloom seed historians. It's sometimes called 'Lacinato' competitor due to its similar production capabilities but superior cold tolerance.
- 🌱 Kale contains more vitamin K per serving than almost any other food—a single 2-cup serving of Vates provides over 300% of daily requirements. This extreme nutrient density has made it a modern superfood despite being a traditional peasant crop for centuries.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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