We grow a lot of kale varieties in our trial gardens and keep records of factors such as ease of growth, ornamental qualities, disease resistance and flavor. We offer kale seed for sale that offer the best qualities for home gardeners.
Kale Seeds for Sale From Gurney's
Why Choose Kale Seeds?
Packed with nutrition and beautiful, kale is a top choice for the garden and edible landscapes. A member of the cabbage family, kale seed can be sown in the spring for a summer crop or in late summer for a fall crop. In the warmer growing zones, kale can also be grown over winter. Either direct sow the kale seed or start seeds indoors. Harvest baby leaves for salads--or let the kale leaves mature and use for kale chips, in soups or other recipes.
Kale as a Superfood
A cruciferous vegetable (like broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage), kale is super low in calories--a cup of raw kale has about 35 calories. It's also loaded with vitamins A, K, B6 and C, minerals and antioxidants.
Kale as an Ornamental
Kale is a cool-weather plant that stands up to frosts--so it's a great way to add colorful foliage and texture to fall landscapes. Ornamental kale often has wavy and textured leaves that'll add interest to flower gardens and landscapes.
Which Kale Seed is Right for Me?
When selecting kale seed, first determine if you're growing kale as an ornamental, for eating or for both. Next, take into account your grow zone and growing conditions. Kale is a cool-season crop that thrives in northern regions. It can also be grown in southern regions. However, if you live in a southern region, select a kale variety that is slower to bolt or grows better in southern regions.
Kale Seed: Getting the Most out of Your Purchase
Kale is usually grow in full sun (6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily) or partial shade (4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily). It prefers well-drained soil. If your soil is less than ideal, it can be improved by mixing plenty of aged manure or compost into it.
When to Plant Kale Seeds
- Kale seeds can be planted as a spring or fall crop. For a spring crop, sow kale seeds in early spring when the soil can be worked--or about 4 weeks before the last spring frost date for your area. For a fall crop, sow kale seeds about 6-10 weeks before your first fall frost date.
How to Plant Kale Seeds
- Sow kale seeds ½ inch deep and about 2-3 inches apart. Once the seedlings emerge and establish themselves, thin the plants to a spacing of 8-12 inches apart. Rows should be 12-18 inches apart.
How to Harvest Kale
- For eating raw or in salads, harvest at the baby green stage. For cooking and chips, harvest leaves when they are mature (usually about 50-70 days after sowing seeds). The leaves will taste sweeter if harvested after cold weather sets in.
