Growing Kale in Australia: The Complete Guide
Kale is an easy brassica to grow, needing full–part sun with consistent watering.
We get asked about kale often enough that it's worth setting out the full picture here, beyond what fits on our printable card.
Cut-and-come-again
Harvest outer leaves from the base upward rather than cutting the whole plant — kale keeps producing new growth from the centre for months.
Planting Kale
Method — direct sow or transplant seedlings. Soil — rich, well-drained, high organic matter. Timing — sow year-round in mild zones; thrives through cooler months.
Day-to-Day Care
Worth paying attention to:
- Harvest outer leaves regularly to keep new growth coming.
- Feed lightly every few weeks with liquid compost or seaweed tonic.
- Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Net if cabbage moth pressure is high.
Common Problems
Keep these points in mind:
- Cabbage moth — caterpillars shred leaves; net or hand-pick.
- Aphids — cluster on new growth; hose off.
- Bolting — hot weather triggers flowering; harvest before the heat sets in.
- Slow growth — nutrient-poor soil; feed regularly.
Harvest and Storage
Signs — leaves reach hand-size, firm and deeply coloured. Method — snap or cut outer leaves from the base, leaving the crown to keep producing. Curing — none needed. Storage — fridge crisper, up to a week.
For the condensed, printable version of everything above, head to the main kale guide page.