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The Curly Kale Plant: A Complete Guide and Care Tips
Gardening can be a fulfilling and exciting hobby, especially when it comes to growing vegetables.
One vegetable that has gained popularity in recent years is the curly kale plant.
This leafy green packs a nutritional punch and is easy to grow, making it a favorite among gardeners.
In this complete guide, we’ll provide essential care tips for growing healthy curly kale plants.
What is Curly Kale?
Kale belongs to the cabbage family, which also includes broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts.
The curly kale plant gets its name from its crinkled leaves that resemble seaweed or coral.
Curly kale is known for its dense texture and earthy flavor profile.
It’s also high in vitamins A, C, K as well as calcium iron- all of which are beneficial for maintaining good health.
How to Grow Curly Kale Plants
- Choose the Right Location: Choose a spot with full sun where your plants will receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily
- Sow Seeds Indoors: Start seeds indoors four weeks before planting outdoors or sow them directly in the ground after all danger of frost has passed.
- Add Organic Matter: Before transplanting seedlings outside add compost or aged manure into soil to increase nutrient availability
- Plant Seedlings: Space seedlings about 18 inches apart in rows that are two feet apart
- Maintain Moist Soil:Tend your plants regularly by watering deeply once per week so it reaches deep into roots without creating standing water around stem
How to Care for Curly Kale Plants
Curly kale is a hardy plant that requires minimal care to thrive.
Here are some tips to keep your plants healthy:
- Fertilize Regularly: Apply a balanced fertilizer every four weeks during the growing season
- Pest Control: Keep an eye out for pests such as aphids and cabbage worms, which can damage leaves.
Use neem oil or insecticidal soap to control infestations
- Weed Control: Remove weeds regularly from around your plants so they don’t compete for nutrients and water
- Cut Outer Leaves Frequently: Frequently cut outer leaves once they are mature so new growth will have enough space to thrive.
Kale Harvesting Tips
The best time to harvest curly kale is when it’s young and tender.
Pick leaves from the outside of the plant first, leaving the center intact so that new growth can replace what’s been harvested.
In Conclusion
Growing curly kale plants is an excellent way of adding nutritional vegetables into your diet while enjoying gardening as a hobby.
By following these care tips, you’ll be on your way towards harvesting healthy and delicious greens in no time!
