Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Vinca

(51,033 posts)
Sun Jul 24, 2016, 01:38 PM Jul 2016

Can you cut back kale and, if so, how far?

I'm growing lacinato kale and it's doing very well. I'd like to keep it producing through the winter under a greenhouse cover and I'm thinking if I cut it back to about an inch from the ground at the end of August it might sprout new leaves throughout the fall and into winter. I'm in zone 5 by the way. Has anyone tried this?

3 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Can you cut back kale and, if so, how far? (Original Post) Vinca Jul 2016 OP
It's best to go cold turkey. Warren Stupidity Jul 2016 #1
You won't have enough light to make that work. Elad Jul 2016 #2
Thanks. I hadn't considered the hours of sunlight. Vinca Jul 2016 #3
 

Warren Stupidity

(48,181 posts)
1. It's best to go cold turkey.
Sun Jul 24, 2016, 02:02 PM
Jul 2016

Kale addiction is a serious problem. Kale is also a gateway vegetable that leads directly to spinach and arugula abuse.

Elad

(11,400 posts)
2. You won't have enough light to make that work.
Sun Jul 24, 2016, 07:28 PM
Jul 2016

Having it in a greenhouse doesn't increase the sun, which is required for new growth. You may be able to do something like that if you cut it back all the way NOW (although I'd recommend just harvesting all the leaves, as each leaf node will produce new shoots. If you cut the whole thing back you eliminate all the leaf nodes.) - there'd be enough weeks of sun left for new growth - but much better to just harvest mature leaves a few at a time all fall/winter, leaving the youngest, and watch it bounce back and start producing again in the early spring, when no one else has anything to eat from their garden.

But whatever you do, it won't put on new growth from October-March. Which is fine, if you've grown it big enough before then to allow you to pick off leaves a few at a time all winter.

Vinca

(51,033 posts)
3. Thanks. I hadn't considered the hours of sunlight.
Mon Jul 25, 2016, 06:19 AM
Jul 2016

I'll do some experimenting . . . cut some back, cover some up with the greenhouse gizmo and cover some with hay. If I get anything out of it I'm sure it will beat grocery store kale.

Latest Discussions»Culture Forums»Gardening»Can you cut back kale and...