If you’re wondering does kale grows back every year? the answer is yes! Kale is a hardy vegetable that regrows from its roots each year, making it a versatile and reliable addition to any garden bed. Read on to learn the best practices for growing kale and how to care for it to ensure a bountiful harvest year after year.
Introduction
Kale is a leafy green vegetable that has gained immense popularity in recent years due to its high nutrient content and versatility in cooking. Whether you’re adding it to your smoothie or making kale chips, there’s no denying that kale is a healthy and delicious addition to any diet.
But if you’re new to gardening or just starting to grow kale, you may be wondering whether it’s a perennial or if it grows back every year. In this article, we’ll answer the question Does kale grow back every year? A Versatile and Reliable Addition to Your Garden provides you with some helpful tips and tricks for growing this hardy vegetable in your own garden.
Does Kale Grow Back Every Year?
The short answer is yes, kale does grow back every year. According to an article on Shuncy.com [1], kale is a hardy vegetable that regrows from its roots each year, making it a versatile and reliable addition to any garden bed. This means that once you’ve planted kale in your garden, you can expect it to come back year after year, providing you with a consistent source of fresh, nutritious greens.
However, it’s important to note that not all varieties of kale are created equal when it comes to regrowing each year. As mentioned in an article on Homesteadcrowd.com [3], the most common variety of kale, curly kale, is not a perennial. It’s a biennial, which means it completes its entire life cycle over two years. This means that while you can expect it to regrow from its roots after each harvest, you’ll need to replant it every two years to ensure a continuous supply.
On the other hand, there are some varieties of kale that are considered perennial, such as walking stick kale and perennial kale. These varieties can regrow for several years, making them a great option for those who want a low-maintenance addition to their garden.
How to Grow Kale
Now that you know that kale does grow back every year, let’s take a closer look at how to grow this hardy vegetable in your own garden. Here are some tips and tricks for growing kale successfully:
- Choose the Right Variety: As mentioned earlier, not all varieties of kale are created equal. If you want a perennial variety, consider planting walking stick kale or perennial kale. If you prefer a biennial variety, curly kale is a popular option.
- Plant in the Right Season: Kale is a cool-weather crop, which means it grows best in the fall and spring. It can also be planted in the summer, but it may be more prone to bolting (going to seed) in hot weather.
- Prepare Your Soil: Kale prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Amend your soil with compost or well-rotted manure before planting to ensure your kale has the nutrients it needs to thrive.
- Kale requires 2-4 hours of sunlight each day to regrow after cutting, according to an article on Plantgardener.com [2]. Make sure to plant your kale in a spot that gets plenty of sunlight throughout the day
Kale is a nutritious and versatile vegetable that is easy to grow in your garden. To grow kale successfully, you should follow a few key steps.
Firstly, you should plant kale seeds about 1/2 inch deep in well-draining soil that has a high nitrogen content. It is important to leave at least 1 1/2 to 2 feet between each plant [1]. Loamy, well-drained soil with a pH between 5.5-6.8 is best, but kale is not very picky about soil type and can grow almost anywhere [2].
Secondly, you should water your kale garden regularly, but be careful not to overwater. Generally, kale prefers a nice even supply of water, about 1 to 1.5 inches per week. You can use the thumb test to determine if your plants need water. Stick your thumb about an inch deep into the soil. If the soil is moist, wait another day [3].
Thirdly, kale needs to be protected from pests such as aphids, cabbage worms, and flea beetles. One way to do this is to cover the plants with row covers or netting. You can also use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control pests. In addition, you should remove any damaged or yellowing leaves to prevent the spread of disease [1].
Fourthly, you should fertilize your kale plants regularly with organic matter such as compost or aged manure. This will help to keep the soil nutrient-rich and encourage healthy growth. You can also use a balanced fertilizer, but be careful not to over-fertilize as this can lead to excessive growth and poor quality leaves [2].
Finally, it is important to harvest kale leaves regularly to encourage new growth. You can start harvesting kale leaves when they are about 3 inches long. Cut the leaves off at the stem, leaving at least two leaves on the plant to continue growing [1].
In summary, growing kale is a straightforward process that requires well-draining soil, regular watering, protection from pests, regular fertilization, and frequent harvesting. By following these steps, you can enjoy a bountiful and nutritious harvest of this popular leafy green vegetable.
Types of Kale and Growing Tips and Descriptions
| Type of Kale | Decription |
| Curly Kale | Curly kale is typically dark green with tightly wound curls and is commonly found in grocery stores. |
| Red Russian Kale | Red Russian kale has reddish-purple leaves with a flat shape and a mild, slightly sweet flavor. |
| Lacinato Kale | Lacinato kale, also known as dinosaur kale or Tuscan kale, has long, narrow, blue-green leaves with a wrinkled texture and a slightly sweeter taste than other kale varieties. |
| Redbor Kale | Redbor kale has red and purple leaves with a frilly texture and a mild, slightly sweet flavor. |
Note: There are other types of kale not listed in this table, and growing tips and descriptions may vary slightly based on the source. It’s important to do additional research to determine the best-growing conditions for the specific type of kale you’re interested in.
FAQS
Will kale grow back after cutting?
Yes, kale can regrow after cutting if the top leaf is not cut off. It is important to use pruners or scissors to cut off some leaves while leaving the topmost leaf, to avoid delaying the growth of new leaves or affecting its germination when propagating through cuttings. [1]
Can kale be grown as a perennial?
Can kale be grown as a perennial?
Kale is a biennial plant and will not grow back as a perennial. It only lives for two seasons, blooming during the second season but with bitter leaves. However, it can regrow if you leave the topmost leaf after cutting. [2]
When should I remove kale from my garden?
Kale can be harvested when the leaves are mature enough to be eaten, usually after 55-75 days from planting. It can also withstand frost and low temperatures, making it a great winter crop. [2]
How do you know when kale is done
Kale is typically ready to harvest when the leaves are about the size of your hand, and the plant has reached a height of about 18 inches. Look for the mature leaves, and harvest them from the bottom of the plant up. [2]
What to do with an overgrown kale plant?
If your kale plant has become overgrown, it is best to harvest the leaves as soon as possible. Once the plant bolts, the leaves will become bitter, and the plant will focus on producing flowers and seeds. You can still use the leaves for cooking or freezing, but they will not be as flavorful as younger leaves. [3]
How do you prepare kale for winter?
To prepare kale for winter, you can cover it with a frost blanket or row cover to protect it from the cold. You can also add a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to insulate the roots. Be sure to remove any damaged or diseased leaves to prevent them from spreading to the rest of the plant. [2]
How do you store kale from the garden long term?
To store kale long-term, you can blanch the leaves and then freeze them. Another option is to dehydrate the leaves and store them in an airtight container. You can also store kale in the refrigerator for up to a week by wrapping it in a damp paper towel and placing it in a plastic bag. [2]
Can you eat kale after it bolts?
Yes, you can still eat kale after it bolts, but the leaves will be bitter. It is best to harvest the leaves before the plant bolts, but if you are left with no choice, you can still use the leaves for cooking or freezing. [3]
Conclusion ~ Does Kale Grow Back Every Year?
Based on the provided web search results, it can be concluded that kale is a biennial plant that can live for two seasons. However, it does not come back every year as it blooms during the second season, and its leaves become bitter.
Gardeners typically grow kale as an annual plant and need to plant it every year. While some gardeners prefer perennials, kale is not one of them. To encourage kale to thrive and grow, gardeners need to supply it with plenty of nitrogen fertilizer, as nitrogen stimulates green plant growth.
So, if you want to keep growing kale every year, you can harvest the seeds from the kale plant and plant them again, but they will not grow back by themselves every year.
