Ethiopian Kale Seeds

Ethiopian Kale Heirloom Vegetable Garden Seeds
Brassica carinata
Listing is for 1 packet of minimum 25 seeds

Ethiopian Kale is native to Africa and has decent heat tolerance, although it grows best in cooler temperatures. It is a cousin of both kale and mustards. It's flavor is more mild than both. Harvest as baby greens to eat fresh or harvest longer more mature leaves to be cooked down. They cook just the same as collard greens. Other names for this kale cultivar are Ethiopian Rape, Highland Kale, Abyssinian Mustard, African Cabbage, and Amara Mustard. 

Follow me on social media because I post a lot of information on how to grow the very same seeds available in my shop. Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok: jerrasgarden. 

PLANTING
Germination: 5-15 Days

Seed Sowing Depth: 1/4” deep, barely press the seeds into the surface of the soil

Sowing: Can direct sow after the last frost date or start in seed trays 8 weeks before the last frost date. Here in my Florida garden, I start seeds in doors in August and transplant into my garden in October. It grows straight thru fall, winter, and spring.

Days to maturity: 70 days

Ideal Growing Conditions

Sun: Does best getting 6 hours of sun a day. Grow in partial shade in hot climates.

Water: Keep the soil consistently moist

Fertilizer: Add some blood meal into the planting hole before transplanting or work some into the soil before direct sowing seeds. This one time application of fertilizer should be enough for the entire growing season. 

When & How To Sow Seeds: Can direct sow after all danger of frost has passed and continue into summer. Direct sowing the seeds is the easiest method. Rake some blood meal into the soil to give tatsoi a nitrogen boost. Sprinkle a few seeds over the soil surface, pat down, cover with 1/4 inch of soil, and water in. Keep the soil moist and it will germinate quickly. Or if you prefer, sow a few seeds in a container. Like a 4 inch pot or 72 cell seed tray. Transplant once the root system has developed and filled the container. Start fertilizing seedlings with a liquid fertilizer at half strength once the first set of true leaves appear.

Germination: 5-15 Days

Days To Maturity: 70 days

How & When To Harvest: Harvest individual leaves as needed.

Common Diseases: Fungal leaf diseases like downy mildew, black spot, and powdery mildew can sometimes be an issue especially in wet conditions. Proper plant spacing to improve air flow, not watering overhead, and pruning out excess foilage helps. Spray with 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide per gallon of water every 3 to 5 days until you notice the spread has stopped. 

Common Pests: The most common pest when growing kale is aphids. Use a strong spray of water to dislodge aphids from the leaves. For more severe infestations, spray with organic insecticidal soap or spinosad. The same caterpillars/worms that like to chew brassicas will also chew kale leaves. Spray with BT or spinosad to treat chewing insects.

Do I have a YouTube video tutorial on how to grow this? Yes

Watch my how to grow kale guide here: https://youtu.be/gxdy-GwoaRQ

Additional Tips/Information: N/A