Kale Seeds

Sea Kale requires a sunny position and a well drained soil. Sow sea kale seed from April through to June 2.5cm (1″) deep in a finely raked soil. When the seedlings are large enough to handle thin the plants to 45-30cm (18-24″) apart. Keep the plants well watered in dry spells and occasionally apply a liquid feed. Remove any flower heads as they appear. In late autumn cut down the foliage to ground level.

In March cover the plants with a large pot or bucket ensuring light is excluded. Surround the pot with leaves or compost for insulation.

The blanched shoots are ready for harvesting after when they are about 20-30cm (8-12″) in length. The blanched leaves are cooked in the same way as asparagus. After removing the pots apply a mulch and allow the leaves to develop normally. The plants are perennial and can be blanched each year.

There are a number of vegetables that are shade tolerant and these include beetroot, broccoli, kale, lettuce, radish, spinach, green beans, peas, runner beans, broad beans and herbs such as mint, parsley and chives.

For successful results, salad crops such as tomatoes, cucumber, sweetcorn and peppers, really need to be grown in full sun.