Quick Growing Facts

When & Where to Grow ‘Blue Curled Scotch’ Kale

Kale is a classic cool-season crop that thrives in spring and fall and can handle chilly temperatures that damage many other vegetables. ‘Blue Curled Scotch’ is especially suited to extended harvests in cool climates.

• Spring: Sow outdoors as soon as soil can be worked and daytime temperatures are consistently above freezing.
• Fall: Sow 8–10 weeks before your expected hard frost to enjoy sweet, frost-kissed leaves in autumn and early winter.
• Mild climates: Kale can often be grown almost year-round; in hot summers, plant where it gets afternoon shade.
• Location: Beds, raised beds, and large containers all work well; choose a spot with full sun for compact, productive plants.

Soil Preparation

Kale loves rich, moisture-retentive soil with excellent drainage. Preparing soil well at the start rewards you with vigorous, healthy plants and continuous harvests.

• Loosen the top 8–10 in (20–25 cm) of soil and remove weeds, roots, and stones.
• Work in generous amounts of compost or well-rotted manure to boost fertility and water-holding capacity.
• Aim for soil that is crumbly and fine on top so seeds and seedlings can establish easily.
• Good drainage is essential; if your soil is heavy clay, consider raised beds or adding coarse sand and organic matter.

Direct Sowing ‘Blue Curled Scotch’ Kale Outdoors

Direct sowing is straightforward and works very well, especially for larger patches and fall crops.

1. Timing: Sow in early spring when soil is around 45–50°F (7–10°C), and again in late summer for fall harvest.
2. Prepare the bed: Rake the surface smooth and fine after loosening and enriching with compost.
3. Sowing depth: Sow seeds about 1/4–1/2 in (0.6–1.2 cm) deep.
4. Row spacing: Space rows 18–24 in (45–60 cm) apart.
5. Seed spacing: Sow thinly, about 1 in (2–3 cm) apart in the row; you will thin later.
6. Water: Water gently and keep soil consistently moist until seedlings emerge (usually in 5–10 days).

Starting Kale Indoors (for a Head Start)

Starting indoors gives a jump on the season and helps you get sturdy transplants for early spring or precise fall timing.

• Sow 4–6 weeks before your last spring frost or before your planned fall transplant date.
• Use cell trays with a fine, well-draining seed-starting mix.
• Sow 2–3 seeds per cell at 1/4–1/2 in (0.6–1.2 cm) deep; thin to the strongest seedling once true leaves appear.
• Keep at about 60–75°F (15–24°C) with even moisture and bright light to prevent leggy growth.
• Transplant when seedlings are 4–6 in (10–15 cm) tall and have several true leaves.

Thinning, Spacing & Transplanting

Adequate spacing allows plants to develop full, leafy rosettes and reduces disease pressure.

• Thin direct-sown seedlings gradually to a final spacing of 12–18 in (30–45 cm) between plants.
• For baby leaf production, keep plants closer (4–6 in / 10–15 cm) and harvest younger leaves.
• When transplanting, plant at the same depth as in the trays and firm soil gently around roots.
• Water thoroughly after transplanting, then keep soil consistently moist as plants establish.

Watering & Feeding

Kale appreciates steady moisture and regular nutrition. Stress from drought or poor soil can make leaves tougher and growth slower.

• Watering: Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Aim for deep, infrequent watering rather than frequent, shallow sprinkling.
• Mulch: A layer of compost, shredded leaves, or straw helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and moderate soil temperature.
• Feeding: In rich soil, a compost base may be enough. In poorer soils or containers, side-dress with compost or a balanced organic fertilizer every 4–6 weeks.

Pests & Diseases

‘Blue Curled Scotch’ is generally robust, but as a brassica it can attract some familiar cabbage-family pests.

• Cabbage worms & loopers: Green caterpillars that chew holes in leaves. Hand-pick, use row covers, or apply organic Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) if needed.
• Aphids: Small clusters on leaf undersides and stems. Spray off with water or use insecticidal soap.
• Flea beetles: Tiny holes in young leaves. Floating row covers and good plant vigor help minimize damage.
• Disease: Proper spacing, crop rotation, and avoiding waterlogged soil reduce issues like mildew and root problems.

Harvesting ‘Blue Curled Scotch’ Kale

Baby Leaves & Cut-and-Come-Again

• Begin harvesting baby leaves when they are 2–4 in (5–10 cm) long, about 25–35 days from sowing.
• Use scissors to snip outer leaves, leaving the growing center intact to keep producing.
• Multiple harvests are possible from each plant if you avoid cutting the central growing tip.

Mature Leaves & Whole Plants

• For full bunches, harvest when plants are 12–18 in (30–45 cm) tall, typically 55–70 days after