Kale is a superfood that's incredibly easy to grow in the UK climate. This hardy brassica thrives in cooler weather and provides nutritious harvests throughout winter. Learn everything you need to know about growing kale successfully.
Not sure when to sow? See our When to Plant Kale UK →
Founder & Head Grower, SoilCommander · RHS Level 2 · 12+ years growing in Yorkshire
I've been growing vegetables on my Yorkshire allotment and raised beds since 2012. Everything I write is based on what I've actually grown, failed at, and eventually got right in a real UK climate.
Watch our guide to growing kale at home in the UK — from sowing seeds and transplanting to harvesting nutritious leaves all winter long with SoilCommander.
🥬 Did you know? Kale actually tastes sweeter after a frost — cold temperatures convert the plant's starches into sugars, making winter-harvested kale far more flavourful than summer leaves.
Quick Facts
March - May
April - June
October - March (all winter)
45cm apart, 45cm rows
Very Easy
Full sun to partial shade
📅 When to Plant Kale in the UK
Kale is one of the easiest vegetables to grow in the UK. It's extremely hardy, tolerates frost, and actually tastes sweeter after cold weather — the RHS notes kale converts starches to sugars after frost, which is what sweetens the leaves. Kale can be grown almost year-round.
Planting Timeline:
- March - May: Sow seeds indoors in modules
- April - June: Sow directly outdoors or transplant seedlings
- October - March: Harvest leaves as needed throughout winter
For the best winter harvests, sow kale in June for picking from autumn through winter.
🌱 How to Sow Kale Seeds
Kale can be sown indoors or directly outdoors. Both methods work well, but indoor sowing gives you more control over early growth.
Indoor Sowing Method:
- Fill modules with seed compost
- Sow 2-3 seeds per module, 1.5cm deep
- Water gently and keep at 15-20°C
- Germination takes 7-10 days
- Thin to one strong seedling per module
- Transplant when 10-15cm tall (4-6 weeks)
Outdoor Sowing Method:
- Prepare a seedbed with fine, crumbly soil
- Sow seeds thinly in drills 1.5cm deep
- Space rows 45cm apart
- Water well and keep moist
- Thin seedlings to 45cm apart when large enough to handle
💡 Pro Tip: Kale germinates quickly and easily. You can succession sow every 2-3 weeks for continuous harvests.
🏡 Soil Preparation & Planting Out
Kale is not fussy about soil but grows best in fertile, well-drained conditions. It tolerates poorer soil better than most brassicas.
Soil Requirements:
- Soil Type: Any well-drained soil (tolerates poor soil)
- pH Level: 6.0-7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Preparation: Dig in compost or well-rotted manure
- Position: Full sun to partial shade
Transplanting Tips:
- Space plants 45cm apart in all directions
- Plant firmly - kale needs stable roots
- Water in well after planting
- Protect young plants from pigeons with netting
💡 Growing Tips for Kale
💧 Watering
Water regularly during dry spells, especially when plants are young. Established kale is quite drought-tolerant.
🌿 Feeding
Apply a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Kale is less demanding than other brassicas.
❄️ Frost Tolerance
Kale actually improves in flavor after frost. It can withstand temperatures down to -15°C, making it perfect for UK winters.
⚠️ Common Problems with Kale
🦋 Cabbage White Butterfly
Caterpillars eat leaves. Cover plants with fine mesh netting and check regularly for eggs on leaf undersides.
🐦 Pigeons
Pigeons love kale leaves, especially in winter. Protect plants with netting or use scarecrows and reflective tape.
🐛 Aphids
Small insects cluster on growing tips. Spray with water or use insecticidal soap. Encourage ladybirds and lacewings.
🥬 Harvesting and Storing Kale
One of the best things about kale is that you can harvest it over a long period by picking leaves as needed.
When to Harvest:
- Start harvesting when leaves are 10-15cm long (about 8-10 weeks after planting)
- Main harvest season is October through March
- Kale tastes sweetest after the first frost
- Can be harvested throughout winter as needed
How to Harvest:
- Pick outer leaves first, leaving the central growing point intact
- Take a few leaves from each plant rather than stripping one plant
- Harvest in the morning when leaves are crisp
- The plant will continue producing new leaves for months
💡 Storage Tip: Kale is best used fresh but will keep in the fridge for up to a week. Wash and dry leaves before storing in a plastic bag.
See the Complete UK Vegetable Planting Calendar
View the full year planting schedule with month-by-month guidance for UK gardeners.
View Full Calendar →Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant kale in the UK?
Sow kale seeds indoors from March to May, or directly outdoors from April to June. For winter harvests, sow in June. Kale can be planted almost year-round in the UK.
How long does kale take to grow?
Kale is ready to harvest 8-10 weeks after planting out. You can start picking baby leaves earlier, and plants will continue producing for 6-8 months.
Can kale survive winter in the UK?
Yes! Kale is one of the hardiest vegetables and can survive temperatures down to -15°C. It's perfect for winter harvesting and actually tastes better after frost.
What are the best kale varieties for the UK?
Popular UK varieties include 'Nero di Toscana' (cavolo nero), 'Redbor' (purple curly kale), 'Dwarf Green Curled' (compact), and 'Red Russian' (cold-hardy).
Browse our hand tools for gardening and soil & plant care range, or plan your full season with the UK Vegetable Garden Planner PDF — £19.
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