skip to main content

Vegetable Gardening

What variety of Kale would grow well here?

8 years ago

My hubby loves to eat kale. I'd rather grow it myself they buy it in a store. What variety would grow well for me?

Featured Answer

tripleione

8 years ago

'Dwarf Blue Curled Vates' is a very well-rounded variety that I have been growing for a couple years. It easily dealt with heat up to 92° F, although it's hard to say how well it will handle zone 8 heat. It survives through the winter as well, even with several snows, freezing rain and below 0° F temps. I really like the look of the leaves as well. They're almost pre-historic looking, like something dinosaurs would eat. The seeds are sold at most Dollar Tree stores I've been to.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (9)

Pumpkin (zone 10A)
8 years ago
I assume you're asking because it is hot where you live.

I just planted Portugese kale/Tronchuda kale and have seedlings up. It is 117 in the shade at my house. The seedlings aren't dead. That variety may be worth a shot for you. Supposed to be much more heat tolerant than any other variety and so far, so good for me. No idea in taste, however.
farmerdill
8 years ago
In the winter (planted in September just about any variety does well. I prefer the curly types like Blue Armor. They are a bit more tender than smooth leaf kales. Siberian kale (which is not really a kale) is the most vigorous grower. Lacinato grows well. Portuguese kale is more like a collard which also grows well here in the winter.
Related Discussions
What would grow well under citrus trees
Q
Comments (11)
still, does anyone know about the clover idea? i have thought of it, having recently inherited a 100 tree citrus orchard myself. grass is a problem, poison is unacceptable, and slashing seems to take out more irrigation pipe than grass. i know citrus need to breathe underneath, but if the tree is pruned to lift its lowest hanging branches to a good distance above the clover, & you fertilize to allow for the extra nutrients to support the clover (its not like the grass wasn't stealing nutrients anyway), and the added benefit of attracting pollinating bees,could it be bad??? i know mulching is ideal, but 100 trees worth of nonseeding straw and back breaking weeding and laying of cardboard underneath etc. is just downright unappealing. i'd rather throw a couple of kilos of clover seed about & let it crowd out the grasses. is this just a pipedream?????
...See More
what strawberry varieties grow well in GA
Q
Comments (2)
The commercial growers plant 'Chandler' typically, which produces a heavy crop over a short spring time period. If you want to make jams, etc., then this is a good choice. 'Everbearing' is good for a longer crop period in smaller amounts. Nice to plant in hanging baskets and you would like fruit for spring to fall. Never plant strawberries in red clay as they are very disease prone.
...See More
What is your favorite, best-tasting heirloom kale variety?
Q
Comments (9)
I actually grew the larger bok choy last year and loved it. I love adding it to stir fries (simple). Another simple meals is to stir fry them with a little oil, garlic and ginger. I add some leftover chicken (rotissere works well) and add some chicken broth. It's yummy!! This year I'm trying the gai lan (Chinese broccoli). I read that you harvest when they're about 6-8 inches tall by cutting the stalks. Then they'll grow back and you can harvest at least 2 more times. Sounded like a great bargain! These I prepare Chinese style with oyster sauce but you could use them like broccoli or raab. Yummy! I love that you volunteer garden for seniors. What a great way to give back!!
...See More
Who here is growing palms well north of their growing zones?
Q
Comments (12)
There is a device called a Thermocube you can use.... one model turns power on/off at 35F/45F. This is just a 2 outlet out of one device with a built in thermostat. The nice thing about keeping palms above freezing is you avoid constant bud freeze. I use these devices with my Washys/Tree ferns and will expand to all the palms outside the big enclosure this year. This is a good range to keep it from growing- the cooler it stays the less the concern for light, I have overwintered plenty of palms in leaf cages (or the like)where there is no light. Trachys will keep growing below 50F,when soil temps go below 50F they will stop or grow very slowly. Check out the link below. Here is a link that might be useful: Thermocubes
...See More
tishtoshnm Zone 6/NM
8 years ago
During the warmer months, I prefer Red Russian, it is not as bitter in the heat. I am growing Tronchuda but think the flavor is definitely improved when temps are cooler. For your region, I agree that lacinato would likely do well, possibly for the entire winter.
BahamaDan Zone 12b Subtropics
8 years ago
A kale that did well last fall and into the winter for me was dwarf blue scotch curled.
BahamaDan Zone 12b Subtropics
8 years ago
I really like that summary tripleione. I think that's the variety I was thinking of. I'm at the lowest in zone 12a and I can't recall in recent memory that we've gone over 95F so depending on where in 8 it may not be too bad in summer.
lovesblooms
8 years ago
Hi, Marianne,

Do you happen to have Tronchuda seeds to spare? I've been looking for a while--be happy to trade.
Donna
8 years ago
Red Russian is my favorite here in east central MS. I have never lost it in the winter. Beautiful plant too. Pretty enough to grow in flower beds.
zzackey
Original Author
8 years ago
I've only tried to grow it during the winter months. Thanks everyone for the variety names and descriptions.

Related Stories

EDIBLE GARDENS Cool-Season Vegetables: How to Grow Kale

By Marianne Lipanovich

This leafy green superfood is also a superhero in the garden through fall chills and winter snow

SUMMER FRUITS AND VEGETABLES How to Grow Your Own Fresh, Sweet Corn

By Marianne Lipanovich

Here's how to plant and care for your own mini cornfield

GARDENING GUIDES 6 New Plant Varieties That Beat Out Their Parents

With better resistance and fewer demands, these garden beauties are worth a spot on your wish list

GARDENING GUIDES Your Garden Is Stirring — Here’s What to Do in February

By Susan Haynes

February is a good time to start seeds, shape up shrubs and watch for the earliest blooms. Here’s what to do in your part of the U.S. now

MOST POPULAR Spring Gardens Are Blooming — Here’s What to Do in April

By Annie Thornton

Get the guide you need for gardening in your U.S. region, with tasks, climate-appropriate plantings and more

SPRING GARDENING Spring Gardens Are Waking — Here’s What to Do in March

By Annie Thornton

Excitement fills the air when gardens come back to life. These guides will help you make the most of yours

GARDENING GUIDES Keep Your Cool in the Garden — Here’s What to Do in August

By Annie Thornton

Don’t let summer’s heat go to your head. These U.S. gardening guides will help you make sensible choices for all of your plantings

EDIBLE GARDENS Summer Crops: How to Grow Squash

By Marianne Lipanovich

Almost foolproof and with cheerful flowers, squash comes in a wide range of varieties to plant in spring

FARM YOUR YARD 6 Things to Know Before You Start Growing Your Own Food

By Abundant City

It takes time and practice, but growing edibles in the suburbs or city is possible with smart prep and patience

FRUIT TREES How to Grow Your Own Juicy Plums

By Marianne Lipanovich

Easier than other stone fruits and with a variety of colors to choose from, plums are a versatile garden addition

Sponsored

More Discussions

Veggie Tales - April 2024

55

Potato mold, disease or fungus?

15

Confused about overwintered potato plants

3

3

Overnight low of 43 - peppers ok?

15