Cultivation

Winter protection — Kale

Brassica oleracea L. (Kale Group)

Kale has high natural frost resistance and does not require covering for late autumn harvesting. Protecting the root system is only necessary when growing the crop as a biennial for seed production.

In the reference 3 varieties crop Kale, where this is mentioned in the description.

Kale is capable of withstanding temperatures as low as -15°C, with exposure to frost improving the flavor of the leaves, making them sweeter. In most cases, the plant does not require additional protection from the cold and can continue to grow in mild climates throughout the entire winter.

If it is necessary to preserve the plant for a second year to obtain seeds, mulching the soil with spruce branches or plant residues is recommended. Such covering prevents critical freezing of the root system, which is the only purpose of winter protection for this crop.

General information about the subject — on the page Winter covering.

Sources8

Varieties of Kale mentioned in the description

Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.