Kale (Brassica oleracea) is one of the hardiest leafy greens you can grow through winter. Frost-tolerant and nutrient-rich, kale thrives in cool conditions, and even becomes sweeter after a light frost. With its rich green (and sometimes purple) leaves, kale is a great addition to any edible garden — perfect for smoothies, sautés, soups, and chips.
Kale (Brassica oleracea) is one of the hardiest leafy greens you can grow through winter. Frost-tolerant and nutrient-rich, kale thrives in cool conditions, and even becomes sweeter after a light frost. With its rich green (and sometimes purple) leaves, kale is a great addition to any edible garden — perfect for smoothies, sautés, soups, and chips.In this guide, you’ll learn the best kale varieties for winter growing, how to care for your plants, how they taste, and delicious ways to use them in the kitchen.
Table of Contents
🍃 Best Kale Varieties for Winter in Australia
Kale performs best in cool seasons and these varieties are particularly reliable during winter:
- Tuscan Kale – Also known as Cavolo Nero or Dinosaur Kale. Dark green, wrinkled leaves with a robust, slightly nutty flavour.
- Vates Blue Curled – Compact and cold-hardy with tight, curly blue-green leaves. Very productive in winter.
- Chinese Kale (Gai Lan) – A tender Asian brassica with flat leaves and juicy stems. Fast-growing and great stir-fried.
🌿 Taste & Texture of Each Variety
| Variety | Flavour | Texture | Best Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuscan Kale | Bold, earthy, and nutty | Firm and bumpy (“dino” texture) | Sautéed, soups, braised, kale chips |
| Vates Blue Curled | Mild with a hint of sweetness | Very curly and dense | Soups, stews, juicing |
| Chinese Kale | Sweet and mild with a broccoli-like flavour | Smooth with thick edible stems | Stir-fries, steamed, garlic & oyster sauce |
🧑🌾 How to Grow Kale in Winter
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| Soil Preparation | Well-draining, fertile soil enriched with compost. Kale prefers slightly alkaline conditions (pH 6.5–7.5). |
| Sowing Method | Sow direct or transplant seedlings once they reach 10 cm. Plant 1 cm deep. |
| Spacing | 30–40 cm apart for mature plants, 15–20 cm for baby leaves |
| Watering | Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply 2–3 times a week in dry periods. |
| Feeding | Use a nitrogen-rich organic fertiliser or compost tea every few weeks for lush leafy growth. |
| Harvesting | Pick outer leaves when they reach 10–15 cm. Leave inner growth intact for continued harvest. |
✂️ When and How to Harvest
- Young Leaves: Harvest early for tender, mild greens in salad or sautéed dishes.
- Full Maturity: Allow to grow tall and bushy — perfect for soups or kale chips.
- Cut-and-Come-Again: Continue picking the outer leaves to keep the plant producing all winter.
🍳 Delicious Kale Recipes
🥗 Kale & Avocado Salad
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- Massage kale leaves with lemon and olive oil
- Toss with avocado, seeds, and cranberries
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🥘 Curried Chickpeas with Kale
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- Sauté onion, garlic, kale, and spices
- Add chickpeas and simmer with coconut milk
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🔥 Baked Kale Chips
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- Tear kale into pieces, toss with olive oil and sea salt
- Spread on tray and bake at 150°C for 15–20 mins
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❓ FAQs About Growing Kale
Can I grow kale in pots?
Yes — choose a pot at least 25 cm deep. Use premium potting mix and feed regularly.
Does kale survive frost?
Absolutely. Frost makes the leaves sweeter and more tender. It’s one of the best winter crops.
What pests affect kale?
Cabbage moth, aphids, and slugs are common. Use netting, neem oil, or companion planting for control.
What are the best companions for kale?
Good companions include garlic, onions, beets, dill, and celery. Avoid planting near strawberries or pole beans.
How long does kale take to grow?
Baby leaves in 25–30 days. Mature leaves in 60–70 days. Plants keep producing for months if well cared for.
🛒 Ready to grow your own?
🪴 Check out our kale seeds collection and get started today!
