Kale belongs to the Brassica family and is one of the most trouble-free, hardy species amongst them. This extremely forgiving vegetable has grown on European soil for at least 3,000 years, before it spread with a cultivation boom to all corners of the Earth. This sped up diversification within each variety, as it thrived in new climates. Recently classed as a ‘superfood’ Kale is seeing another global boom with varieties ranging in colour, flavour and culinary uses, to suit every taste.
Sow your seeds very thinly to prevent overcrowding, with aprox. 8cm/3in between each seed and 15cm/6in between rows. When the seedlings are 10cm/4in to 15cm/6in high you should transplant them to their final growing spots, remembering to water the day before. When transplanting rows should be spaced 45cm/1.5ft apart, and secure the young plants are bedding them to their lowest leaves. Alternatively, you can sow the seeds directly in their final position if you do not wish to transplant. As with any seed or plant, it is prudent to lightly water directly after sowing or planting to provide a moist, not soggy, environment for optimum growth conditions.
