Kale Jardin Mixed

This gorgeous Kale ‘Jardin Mixed’ with mauve and cream centres are not only tasty and nutritious, but they have masses of ornamental appeal too. Show them off amidst mixed planting schemes in your garden with flowers and other ornamentals or enjoy their long-lasting colour on the allotment which intensifies as the days grow shorter and cooler towards winter. With an exceptionally long cropping time, stagger your sowings and you can harvest fresh leaves throughout summer and autumn. Great for steaming, boiling or frying, plus the raw leaves can also be used as a colourful garnish. Height: 45cm (18”). Spread: 45cm (18”).

Sowing

Sow kale seeds from March to May in pots or trays using a good free-draining seed compost and cover with 6mm (1?4”) of vermiculite or compost and maintain at a minimum temperature of 15C (60F) until after germination, which takes 5-7 days. Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle after about 5 weeks from sowing to 50cm (20in) between rows and 40cm (16in) between plants in the row. Plant firmly and keep well-watered until established.

Alternatively, seed can be sown thinly 12mm (1?2in) deep in a prepared seedbed outside, allowing 30cm (12in) between rows.

More Info

Use fleece to protect against caterpillar and aphid attack as necessary, and use netting to protect against pigeons during the winter. Companion planting: Try growing kale with Nasturtiums to draw cabbage white butterflies away from your crop, and mint to help deter flea beetles.