Black Kale Strip Pack

Black kale, also known as Tuscan kale, is a tasty and nutritious variety of kale that is relatively easy to cultivate. To grow black kale, it's essential to choose a suitable location with well-draining soil that is enriched with organic matter. Black kale thrives in full sun or partial shade and needs plenty of space to grow.

Before planting black kale, prepare the soil by adding compost or aged manure to improve its quality. Ensure that the soil is loose and aerated by tilling or digging. Space the plants 30-45cm apart.

Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, watering deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather and soil conditions. Apply a balanced fertiliser or compost tea every four to six weeks to keep the plants healthy and robust.

Protect from pigeons and caterpillars by covering in insect netting.To harvest black kale, cut the outer leaves from the plant, leaving the central stalk intact so that the plant can continue to produce new leaves. You can harvest the leaves when they are young and tender or when they are mature and fully grown.

Its excellent winter hardiness makes it a practical choice for a winter to spring vegetable when fresh garden produce is limited. Additionally, kale can serve as a great ingredient for baby salad leaves, contributing texture and a peppery flavour to mixed salads.