UBC Farm
KaleBlack Magic
Kale
Black Magic90 Days
Certified Organic
Brassica oleracea
Also known as dinosaur kale - a beautiful variety with dark green, deeply ribbed leaves.
Certified Organic
Growing kale
Kale prefers a well-draining fertile soil with high organic matter (compost) and a pH range of 6.0–7.5. Plant from early spring to ~3 months before expected fall frost. For bunching, sow 3–4 seeds every 12–18", ½" deep, in rows at least 18" apart. Thin to 1 plant per group. For baby leaf, sow tighter (60 seeds/ft) in a 2–4" wide band. If starting indoors, seedlings should be ready to transplant in 4 weeks. Kale prefers cooler growing temperatures, 55–75°F (13–24°C) as a minimum, optimal of 60–70°F (16–21°C), but will still produce in warm summer conditions. Consistent moisture will produce the best quality leaves. For fall crops start seedlings in May transplanting out in June–July. To ensure maturity, seed early in areas where heavy freezes occur early in fall. Can be grown successfully where winters are mild (temperatures rarely below 32°F/0°C), transplanting out from September to February in such climates.