DESCRIPTION
Kale Seeds - Ethiopian
How to Grow Ethiopian Kale
Prepare well-drained, fertile soil. Sow seeds any time in spring after last frost, through summer and early early fall. Plant every two weeks for a continuous harvest. Keep soil moist. Fertilize as needed. Optimum growing temperatures are in 55-65°F. Exposure to frost or prolonged temperatures below 50°F may result in bolting. Mulch fall crops to avoid premature bolting. Unlike most other Cole crops, bolted Ethiopian Kale retains a mild flavor, thought it does lose some sweetness.
Harvesting Ethiopian Kale
Ethiopian kale is fully mature at 50-60 days, but can be harvested early at 25-30 days for sweet baby greens. Bolting will occur if temperatures increase. For the sweeter baby greens, sow seeds in a 2-4" wide band and harvest at desired maturity. Prepare as you would kales and mustards, fresh or cooked. Mature leaves are excellent for pickling, cooking and juicing.
When harvesting full sized leaves, only harvest one-third of the greens at a time, to allow the plant to continue to grow for harvesting later
Culinary Tips
Use in salads or as you would any mustard green or kale, for a sweeter non-bitter tasting green. The greens can be sauted, stir-fried, roasted or braised. or braise. Ensure to rinse thoroughly, and prepare as desired.
ATTRIBUTES
Basic Info
Latin Name: |
Brassica carinata |
Ethiopian Kale Color: |
Glassic green |
Ethiopian Kale Flavor: |
Mild and sweet, compared to most kales and mustards |
Growing Info
Days to Maturity: |
50 to 60 Days to maturity. 25-30 for sweet baby greens |
Days to Germination: |
5-15 Days |
Seeding Depth: |
1/4 Inches |
Row Spacing: |
12-18 Inches |
Plant Height: |
12-18 Inches |
Growth Habit: |
Tender leaf |
Soil Preference: |
Well-draining, enriched soil, preferably 6.0-6.8ph. |
Temperature Preference: |
55-65°F |
Light Preference: |
Full sun in cool regions and partial shade in warm regions. |
Other
Plant Width: |
9-12 Inches |
Pests and Disease: |
cabbage moths (especially cabbage worms), aphids, slugs and snails, whiteflies, and vegetable weevils. Ethiopian kale is disease resistant, but issues with black rot in damp climates is sometimes seen. |