How long does it take to grow kale?
Written by
Tina Carter
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.Gaining a little insight into kale growth timelines can help you maximize your harvest. Baby greens are ready to eat within 25 - 30 days, whereas full maturity can take anywhere from 60 - 70 days. However, a number of factors can heavily influence these timelines: soil temperature (which affects germination time), how many hours of sun the plants get each day (which affects how fast leaves produce), how consistently moisture is available (when water becomes at a premium growth can be delayed), and nutrient levels (the overall strength of the plant).
Temperature Control
- Maintain 65-75°F (18-24°C) for fastest germination
- Growth slows below 50°F (10°C) requiring protection
- Heat above 85°F (29°C) triggers bolting reducing quality
Light Management
- Provide minimum 6 hours direct sunlight daily
- Supplement with grow lights if under 4 hours natural light
- Rotate containers for even exposure preventing lopsided growth
Nutrient Optimization
- Apply balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer every 4 weeks
- Test soil pH keeping between 6.5-6.8
- Side-dress with 1 cup compost monthly for organic nutrition
Growth rates of the different varieties vary dramatically: 'Red Russian' provides the tenderest baby greens quickly while 'Winterbor' takes longer but holds up better in the cold. Succession planting every couple of weeks ensures a steady supply. I experiment with staggering plantings from early spring to the end of the late summer for continuous production.
The timing of your harvest will also dramatically affect the flavour and texture. The baby leaves you DJ: an or harvesting at are ready for eating when they are 3"-4" long (7.6-10 cm) - tender and perfect for salads. Or at 8"-10" (20-25 cm) long they will be more mature and taste better for cooking. Always pick in the morning to ensure maximum crispness.
How long does it take to grow kale? Kale growth time varies based on the variety and when you plan to harvest it. You can harvest baby leaves in about 25-30 days after planting. If you prefer to harvest larger mature leaves, that takes about 50-60 days. To harvest the full plant, expect a growth period of approximately 60-70 days. The speed depends on the temperature, amount of sunlight, and quality of the soil.
Read the full article: How to Grow Kale: Ultimate Guide for Home Gardeners
