Where to grow kale

Where to grow kale

Kale is a vegetable crop that prefers moist growing conditions. Except for being able to tolerate certain drought conditions during the seedling and rosette stages, it requires sufficient soil moisture and relatively humid air conditions during its product formation period.

Kale is native to the area from the Mediterranean coast to Asia Minor. It is now widely cultivated, mainly distributed in temperate regions. my country has a short history of introducing and cultivating it, especially ornamental kale, which has only been planted in small quantities in the past decade or so, and is only distributed in large and medium-sized cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.

Kale Growing Conditions

Kale likes mild climate conditions, is cold-resistant, but also heat-resistant. The seeds can germinate slowly at 3-5℃, germinate fastest at 20-25℃, and are not conducive to germination at temperatures above 30℃; the most suitable temperature for stem and leaf growth is 18-20℃ during the day and 8-10℃ at night, but it can withstand short-term low temperatures of -4℃.

If it experiences multiple short frosts during its growth period, it can still grow normally after the temperature rises. Kale can also withstand high temperatures and can grow at 30-35℃, but the leaf fiber will increase, the texture will become harder, and the edible quality will be reduced.

Key points for planting and managing kale

1. Lighting:

Kale is a long-day crop. After completing the vernalization stage, it must be under long-day conditions for a certain period of time to differentiate flower buds, bloom and bear fruit.

2. Water content:

Kale is a vegetable crop that prefers moist growing conditions. Except for being able to tolerate certain drought conditions during the seedling and rosette stages, it requires sufficient soil moisture and relatively humid air conditions during its product formation period.

3. Soil and nutrients:

Kale has a wide adaptability to soils, but planting it in soils rich in organic matter is more conducive to improving yield and quality. Kale is more suitable for planting in soils with neutral or slightly acidic pH, and is not suitable for planting in low-lying and waterlogged areas.