Can kale survive in partial shade?
Written by
Tina Carter
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.Kale can live in partial shade, but it will benefit from a little more attention to care. In my garden in zone 6, I have grown Lacinato kale in part shade under a pear tree and although the leaves were slightly smaller, the kale was healthy and pest-free. Aim for 4-6 hours of sunlight, especially if the morning sun may help dry morning dew without overheating the leaves.
Sunlight Requirements
- Morning sun (3-4 hours) boosts photosynthesis
- Avoid dense afternoon shade to prevent leggy growth
- Use reflective mulch to amplify low light
Variety Selection
- Dwarf Blue Curled tolerates shade better than Red Russian
- Winterbor kale adapts to fluctuating light
- Avoid Siberian kale in low-light areas
Soil amendments provide relief from low light stress. I amend beds that receive very little light with 2 inches of compost to optimize nutrient uptake. Don't overwater, this could make shade issues worse - use a soil moisture meter. I added perlite to my clay soil to help with drainage to reduce wet conditions at the shady corners of my garden and reduce conditions favorable to root rot.
The harvest will have moved into some shade. The leaves take an additional 2 weeks to mature but remain tender. I am harvesting the outer leaves at 6 inches rather than picking at 8 inches. If you want to have a continual harvest, it's best to stagger the plantings every 3 weeks and rotate the pots so that you can move with the seasonal patterns of the light.
One way to make the most of shaded areas in the garden is through companion planting. For an edging plant to help repel aphids and enjoy lower light levels, I interplant nasturtiums with kale under my fruit trees and shrubs. Avoid plant varieties that grow tall, such as corn, as they cast the deepest shades. In hotter areas, 30% shade cloth can benefit kale by reducing the heat stress of the sun, while allowing the critical morning sun to hit the plant.
Read the full article: How to Grow Kale: Complete Planting and Harvesting Guide
