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Kale, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts are all cultivars of a single species, Brassica oleracea.
Brassica oleracea (acephala)
Cold-hardy brassica that improves with frost. Cut outer leaves, leave the central rosette to keep growing. Watch for cabbage white caterpillars; row cover or weekly inspection deters them. Will overwinter in mild climates.
Did you know?
Kale, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts are all cultivars of a single species, Brassica oleracea.
Brassica oleracea (Curly)
vegetable
A fellow Brassicaceae — similar growing habits to Kale
Start Kale indoors about 6 weeks before your last frost, keeping seeds in cooler soil (around 10–18 °C). Seeds usually come up in around 7 days. Move seedlings out once the danger of frost has passed, in partial sun, spaced about 45 cm apart. Expect to harvest in roughly 60 days.
Chrysomelidae (Alticini)
Shot-holes in seedling leaves, and a beetle that jumps when you lean in.
Attract Parasitic wasps, Hoverflies, Lacewings, Ladybugs, Ground beetles to keep them in check — plant Crimson CloverGreat, SainfoinGreat and Belgian EndiveGreat nearby.Water: Medium · Height: 90 cm · Soil: Rich, well-draining loam with organic matter. pH 6.0-7.5. Tolerates poor soil but prefers fertile conditions with consistent moisture.
Kale seed rarely stays viable beyond 4 years — track what's still worth sowing.
These three thrive alongside Kale — and alongside each other.
