Description
Kale 'Frost Byte F1' looks as great in the garden as it tastes on your plate! This highly attractive hardy annual Kale develops variegated, ruffled, textured leaves with a strong contrast against their white centres as they mature, giving a fantastic frost-bitten look. The leafy greens of this borecole have a sweet flavour right through to the stalk, are vitamin-rich and give a crisp Kale crunch to meals from September to January. Pick leaves from the bottom of the plant and upwards to prolong the harvest. Please note that pigmentation may increase in this brassica if growing in colder climates. Height 60cm (24"). Spread 40cm (16")
Sowing
Sow Kale seed from March to June. Direct sow outdoors into a well prepared seedbed, for transplanting to their final positions later on. Sow at a depth of 1cm (½") and distance of 23cm (9") between rows. Kale plants can be transplanted to their final positions approximately 5 weeks from sowing.
Grow kale in firm, rich fertile, well drained soil in sun or semi shade. Prepare the soil in early spring by adding plenty of well rotted farmyard manure to the soil to improve its structure and fertility. Apply lime to acid soils to reduce the acidity and lessen the risk of clubroot. When transplanting kale, plant it slightly deeper in the ground than it was in the seedbed. Plant kale at a distance of 60cm (24") apart and cover with a protective netting or fleece to prevent attack from birds and insects. Water the plants thoroughly after planting.
More Info
Kale is exceptionally hardy and requires little aftercare. Water when necessary and hoe between plants regularly to prevent weeds from establishing and bring insect larvae to the surface. Kale can be harvested from September as young leaves using a cut and come again method, but will stand well in the ground for a long time throughout winter, and improves in flavour after it has been frosted. Pinch out the centre stem first to encourage side shoots to develop. Harvest kale when it is required as the leaves do not store well, unless they are frozen.
