What Makes Vates Kale a Garden Essential

Vates kale is one of the most reliable and rewarding leafy greens you can grow in your home garden. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this hardy variety delivers consistent harvests and impressive nutritional value season after season.

Why Choose Vates Kale

Vates kale stands out for its cold hardiness and ability to thrive in less-than-perfect conditions. Unlike some delicate greens, this variety actually improves in flavor after a light frost, making it perfect for fall and winter gardening. The leaves are deeply curled and tender, with a mild, slightly sweet taste that works well in salads, smoothies, or cooked dishes.

The plant grows to a manageable height, typically reaching 18 to 24 inches, which makes harvesting easy without needing a ladder or special tools. A single plant produces abundant leaves over an extended period, giving you plenty of fresh greens from minimal garden space.

Growing Vates Kale Successfully

Vates kale prefers full sun and well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Plant seeds directly in the garden or start them indoors 4 to 6 weeks before your last spring frost. Space plants about 18 inches apart to allow room for growth and air circulation.

Water consistently, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Once established, kale is quite drought-tolerant, though regular watering produces the most tender leaves. Fertilize every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer to support vigorous growth.

Harvesting and Storage

Begin harvesting outer leaves once the plant reaches about 12 inches tall. Pinch or cut leaves from the bottom up, leaving the center growing point intact. This encourages continued production throughout the season. You can harvest for months, often until the first hard freeze.

Fresh kale keeps well in the refrigerator for up to two weeks when stored in a plastic bag. For longer storage, blanch and freeze leaves in portions for winter smoothies and cooking.

Pest and Disease Management

Vates kale is relatively pest-resistant, though cabbage worms and aphids may occasionally appear. Row covers protect young plants from insects. If pests do arrive, organic insecticidal soap or neem oil provides effective control without harsh chemicals.

Good air circulation and proper spacing prevent most fungal diseases. Remove any yellowing or damaged leaves promptly to keep the plant healthy.

Get Growing Today

Vates kale is an investment in fresh, nutritious greens that keeps giving throughout the growing season. With minimal care and maximum returns, it's a variety that belongs in every vegetable garden.

Early Kale variety produces flavorful leaves

- The blue-green leaves are finely curled and reach up to 12-15" tall

- Can handle the cold extremely well

- One of the best frost resistant kale varieties available

• Days to Maturity | 65 days
  
  
• Kale Seeds | Kale can be planted pretty much anywhere in the United States where there's a cool fall growing season. Plant Kale in rows 18 inches to 2 feet apart. 
  
  Click here for complete Kale grow guide
  
  

Additional Details

Kale is considered to be a highly nutritious vegetable with powerful antioxidant properties; kale is considered to be anti-inflammatory. Kale is very high in beta carotene, vitamin K, vitamin C, lutein, zeaxanthin, and reasonably rich in calcium.