Re: Kale

[Marty Reichenberger <mreich@terraworld.net>]

I grew some last year outside and didn't have any trouble getting it to
color up in SE Kansas for September sales.  I believe that as the
temperature drops below 60, it will intensify the color.  If you are
shooting for September, I think you will be fine.  I haven't tried
to get them ready any earlier so I can't give you a good suggestion. 
I also used B-Nine at the full rate weekly (probably 5 aps??) and ended
up with VERY nice kale.  I do know that one secret is to drop the
feed about 4 weeks before sale and maybe feed once a week.  Otherwise
the color won't show up and they will stay green because of too much nitrogen. 
I had alot of trouble with the worms later in the season, have you had
any good control????

Marty Reichenberger
Green Thumb Greenhouse
independence, KS

Green Valley Greenhouse wrote:

>  Another question about flowering
> kale. I have read that it needs 3 weeks of below 60 degrees to color up.
> Is this true for all varieties? If so, how does one grow them for summer/late
> summer flowering? I'm hearing that with Bonzi, height control is possible
> but I'm worried about them not coloring up in high temperatures. Do I need
> <60 degrees just at night? Any thoughts?Andrew
> ButlerGreen
> Valley GreenhouseAnoka,
> MN