Kale, Sea Kale, 'Lily White'

Germination

Sow indoors. Sow 12mm deep into moist well-drained seed compost. Ideal temp. 15°C. Germination usually takes 3-5 weeks but is renowned for germinating irregularly over a long period. If germination does not occur cold stratify. Move to 5°C. for 6-8 weeks. Repeat process until germination occurs. Transplant seedlings once large enough to handle to 8cm pots. Plant out to final position once 10cm tall in rows 60cm apart with 60cm spacing. Can be sown directly in spring or autumn with 60cm spacing.

Growing

Prefers deep, fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. Provide shelter from strong winds. Does not like to be cramped. Young plants may suffer slug attack, treat as required.

Cultivation

Propagate by division in spring or autumn. Sea Kale can be forced and blanched where it is grown in order to produce an early crop of roots. When the leaves dies down in autumn cover the plant with large pots or buckets, the blanched shoots will be ready the following spring. Some roots can be lifted for forcing in a dark place at 7-13°C. forcing in situ means the plant can be used again , lifted plants can only be forced once. To harvest simply cut shoots when 10-15cm long and before the flowers open.