Does kale regrow after cutting?
Written by
Tina Carter
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.Kale plants regenerate after harvesting if you cut them back correctly and at the right time. The plants can be kept producing for months using the cut-and-come-again method. Always leave the central growing bud. Cut the outer leaves 1 inch (2.5 cm) above the stem nodes with sharp scissors, and new growth will appear in 10-14 days, assuming good conditions.
Cutting Technique
- Harvest only 30% of leaves per session
- Make clean cuts angled away from growth points
- Never remove more than 4 leaves from one plant daily
Recovery Care
- Water with 1 cup (240 mL) immediately after cutting
- Apply 5-10-10 fertilizer every 3 weeks during regrowth
- Maintain soil temperatures between 60-75°F (16-24°C)
Plant Health
- Ensure 6+ hours sunlight during regeneration phase
- Check for pests like aphids after each harvest
- Rotate plants weekly for even light distribution
Speed of regrowth: Depends a lot on maturity of the plant and time of year, as above all. Plants that are established, and more than 8 weeks old for instance, regrow quickest. Spring and fall crops regrow quicker than summer crops, as a rule. I get five or six harvests off each plant before replacing them.
Regeneration capacity can vary among kale varieties, with dwarf varieties such as Dwarf Blue Curled bouncing back faster than larger types. Conversely, fast-growing varieties like Red Russian kale grow fast but yield fewer leaves per growing cycle. Select varietals that are suited to your local climate.
Does kale regrow after cutting? Yes, but only if harvested correctly using the cut-and-come-again harvesting method! Always leave the central growing point, and remember to cut your leaves approximately 1 inch above the node. Typically, new growth sprouts between 7 and 14 days under the right conditions.
Read the full article: How to Grow Kale: Ultimate Guide for Home Gardeners
