"Madeley" Kale

Brassica oleracea

Madeley Kale is an English heirloom kale that was introduced to the U.S. by Adaptive Seeds in Oregon who received the seed from England’s Heritage Seed Library. It is extremely productive with extraordinarily large, sweet, and tender leaves. Our favorite kale. Madeley is true 'oleracea' and an ancestor of the wild kales growing on the northwestern sea cliffs of Europe. All Brassica oleracea species, like cabbage and broccoli, trace their origins back to wild kale. Remarkably vigorous and quick regrowth— seemingly overnight! Madeley kale is the heart of our farm.

Growing Instructions:

Sow indoors from early to mid spring and transplant out mid to late spring or direct sow mid spring.

Space plants 10" apart.

Space rows 18" apart.

Kale does better than other brassicas with less than adequate soil but it is best to treat it well. Add compost at time of planting. We also recommend a fall cover crop of peas or another annual legume to fix nitrogen for the upcoming spring planting.

Mulch with leaves, or whatever you have available, to hold moisture and suppress weeds. Make sure soil pH is between 5.8 and 7.0. If plants need a growing boost, water with nitrogen tea or compost tea a few times. If trace minerals are inadequate, sprinkle a small amount of woodash or azomite in each planting hole.

Harvest Instructions:

Kale will produce all season long— right up until its too cold and dark to grow. Leaves get huge but stay tender! A delight!