When to Harvest Kale: Leaf Size Plus Repeat Picking
Knowing when to harvest kale is mostly about leaf size. Utah State University Extension advises harvesting kale when the leaves reach full size. NC State Extension suggests picking the big, outer leaves plus letting the center continue to grow. That gives a long, repeat harvest.
The short answer
Harvest kale once the outer leaves reach full size. Pick from the bottom up, take no more than one third of the plant at a time plus leave the center bud growing. NC State Extension notes baby greens are ready 20 to 30 days after seeding, with mature leaves in 50 to 75 days.
How big should kale leaves be?
Full size leaves are ready to cut, per Utah State University Extension. NC State Extension notes that baby greens can be picked 20 to 30 days after seeding.
Mature leaves are ready 50 to 75 days after seeding. UF/IFAS lists about 70 to 80 days from seed or 55 days from transplants.
Why pick from the outside in?
NC State Extension notes that picking the big, outer leaves while the center grows lets the plant go on producing. UF/IFAS advises harvesting the lower leaves but no more than one third of the plant at one time.
The tender, young center leaves stay to become the next harvest.
| Stage | Days from seed | How to pick |
|---|---|---|
| Baby greens | 20 to 30 | Cut young leaves |
| Mature leaves | 50 to 75 | Outer leaves first |
| Ongoing | Until hard cold | No more than one third at a time |
Source: NC State Extension plus UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions.
How long can kale be harvested?
UMN Extension notes that kale is cold tolerant plus produces new leaves well beyond the first fall frosts. Leaves can even be picked after they have frozen.
UF/IFAS notes that kale can be grown during the winter months in Florida.
How to: step by step
- Sow seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep.
- Space plants 12 inches apart in rows 2 feet apart.
- Spread 2 to 3 inches of straw mulch.
- Pick baby greens 20 to 30 days after seeding.
- Pick outer leaves once they reach full size.
- Leave the center plus two thirds of the plant.
Troubleshooting
Tough leaves: picked too large. Take younger leaves.
Plant stops growing: center removed. Let the bud grow.
Leaves of poor quality in heat: summer stress. UMN Extension notes overheated plants struggle, so plan a fall crop.
For related reading see harvest timing, leaf anatomy plus frost damage. Kind Seed Co also stocks cannabis seeds.
Sources
- Growing collards plus kale in home gardens, University of Minnesota Extension
- Kale, NC State Extension
- How to grow kale in your garden, Utah State University Extension
- Kale, UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions
FAQ
Can kale be harvested all year?
In some climates it can. UMN Extension notes kale goes on producing well beyond the first fall frosts. UF/IFAS notes it can be grown through the winter months in Florida. NC State Extension suggests planting in spring for summer harvest plus again in fall for autumn plus early winter harvest.
Does kale grow back after picking?
Yes, if the center stays. NC State Extension advises picking the big, outer leaves plus letting the center continue to grow. UF/IFAS suggests taking no more than one third of the plant at one time. New leaves then form from the growing point for later picking.
Are baby kale leaves picked differently?
Baby greens are picked young. NC State Extension notes they can be picked 20 to 30 days after seeding, compared with 50 to 75 days for mature leaves. Sow seeds 1 inch apart for baby greens. For full sized plants, thin or transplant to wider spacing.
Can kale be picked after frost?
Yes. UMN Extension notes that kale is cold tolerant plus will produce new leaves well beyond the first fall frosts. Even after leaves have frozen, they can be harvested straight from the garden. Utah State University Extension suggests a fall crop that matures 2 to 3 weeks after the first fall frost.
When should fall kale be planted?
NC State Extension suggests planting about six weeks before your first fall frost date. Utah State University Extension advises choosing early maturing cultivars plus planting 50 to 75 days before the expected maturity date. UMN Extension suggests direct seeding about three months before the average frost date.
