Thousandhead Kale

This variety of kale is enormous, with leaves that can grow to as long as 3 feet! Even with their huge size, these kale leaves are tender and delicious. Thousandhead kale has been grown in the UK for decades as a fodder crop for sheep and cattle, and relatively recently it’s made its way into restaurants and kitchens as a tasty side dish. This kale is more tolerant of less than ideal soil conditions than some other varieties, and does not usually fall victim to pests or diseases.

Sun Exposure

• full sun (six to eight hours)

Soil pH

• 6.0 to 7.5

Hardiness Zones

• zones 3 to 9
• ideal temperature: 45 to 85 degrees F

Spacing

• thin to 2 to 3 feet apart
• plant rows 3 feet apart

Moisture

• 1 to 1 1/2 inches per week

Notes

• 50 to 65 days to maturity
• direct sow or seedlings
• cold hardy
• plant after spring frost and eight weeks before fall frost
• grows up to 5 feet tall, 6 feet wide

Have you ever grown Thousandhead kale? Please tell us about your experiences with Thousandhead kale.