Photo: "curly kale" by Conall
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Vegetable · Kale
Curly Kale
Brassicaceae
HARDIEST variety in the entire lettuces/greens category. 'Winterbor' and 'Dwarf Blue Scotch Curled' survive 0°F and can be harvested from under snow. Tight curly leaves trap dirt — wash thoroughly. More bitter than Lacinato when raw but excellent cooked. 'Vates' is the most common standard variety. Frost-sweetened like all kale.
At a Glance
Days to Maturity
55–65 days
Sun
6+ hours
Spacing
12–18 "
Container
Yes
3+ gallon pot
Height
1.5–2 ft
Zone Planting Guide
Growing Guide
Germination
Germination Time
5–10 days
Optimal Temp
60°F
Seed Depth
0.5"
Watering
Weekly Water
1–1.5 "
Needs
Moderate-consistent
Soil
pH Range
6–7
Resilience
Heat: Medium
Cold: High
Drought: Medium
Nutrition
Feeding Intensity
Heavy feeder
Harvest
Storage
7 days
Sources
university
UMN Extension — Growing Kale
horticultural
GrowVeg — Growing Kale Through Winter
extension
Kale in the Garden (Utah State University Extension)
extension
Growing collards and kale in home gardens (University of Minnesota Extension)
More Vegetables
Curly Kale Planting Dates by Zone
Planting dates for Curly Kale vary by USDA hardiness zone. Select your zone below for frost dates, start-indoors timing, and a full monthly planting calendar.
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