Curly Kale

Curly Kale (Brassica oleracea var. sabellica) – 4–5 Inch Pot
Available in Jupiter, FL. at Urban Abundance.

Curly Kale is the queen of cool-season greens—ruffled, nutritious, and powerfully productive. With bright green, frilly leaves and a mild, slightly peppery taste, it’s a must-grow for smoothies, sautés, soups, and kale chips. A proud member of the Brassicaceae family, this kale is a cool-season leafy green biennial (grown as an annual) in South Florida.

Sold in a 4–5 inch pot, this vibrant veggie is perfect for raised beds, containers, or garden rows. It’s a consistent producer when harvested regularly and thrives in our fall-to-spring growing window.

Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade. At least 4–6 hours per day supports strong, leafy growth.
Watering Needs: Moderate. Keep soil moist but not soggy. Mulching helps retain moisture and reduce weeds.
Soil Requirements: Rich, loamy, well-drained soil with compost added. Slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0–7.0).
Growth Habit: Upright and bushy. Typically reaches 12–24 inches tall.
Harvest Timing: Begin harvesting individual leaves about 30–40 days after transplanting. Pick lower leaves to encourage new growth from the center.
Cold Tolerance: Excellent. Grows best October through March in South Florida and becomes sweeter in cooler weather.
Special Features:

• High in vitamins A, C, and K

• Versatile in the kitchen: raw, steamed, sautéed, or baked

• Thrives in containers or raised beds

• Rebounds quickly after harvesting

South Florida Notes: Curly Kale is a reliable workhorse in our cool season and performs best with regular harvesting and airflow. While pest pressure is lower in winter, cabbage loopers and aphids may appear—use BT or neem oil as needed. Shade from intense spring sun will extend its productivity.

Next steps after purchase:

• Transplant into rich, well-drained soil with good air circulation

• Space plants 12–18 inches apart

• Water consistently to keep leaves lush and tender

• Fertilize monthly with an organic leafy green blend

• Harvest often to encourage fresh, new growth

This is a biennial grown as an annual—it naturally lives two years but is harvested in a single season for peak flavor and performance.