Learning how to harvest kale is one of the most rewarding skills for a home gardener. Harvesting kale correctly encourages the plant to continue producing leaves all season. This means you can enjoy a steady supply of nutritious greens from a single planting. This guide will walk you through every step, from the first cut to storing your bounty.
You will learn the best tools to use and the perfect time to pick. We will cover methods for young plants and mature ones. Proper technique ensures your kale keeps growing back. Let’s get started.
How To Harvest Kale
This section covers the core method for harvesting mature kale plants. The goal is to take leaves without harming the central growing point, known as the terminal bud. This bud is at the very center of the plant from which new leaves emerge.
Identify Leaves Ready For Harvest
Not every leaf on your kale plant is ready at the same time. You should look for specific signs of maturity. Start with the oldest, outermost leaves first. These are typically at the bottom of the plant.
- Size: Leaves should be at least the size of your hand. For most varieties, this is about 6 to 8 inches long.
- Color: Leaves should have a deep, vibrant green (or the characteristic color of your variety, like purple or blue). Avoid yellowing or wilted leaves.
- Texture: The leaf should feel firm and sturdy, not limp or thin.
Gather Your Harvesting Tools
Using the right tool makes the job cleaner and healthier for the plant. Your fingers can work, but tools are often better.
- Sharp Scissors or Garden Snips: This is the best option. Clean cuts heal quickly and prevent damage to the stem.
- A Sharp Knife: A paring or harvest knife works well if you’re careful.
- Your Fingers: You can pinch leaves off, but be gentle to avoid tearing.
Always ensure your tools are clean to prevent spreading disease between plants. A quick wipe with rubbing alcohol is a good habit.
Execute The Proper Cutting Technique
Where and how you cut is crucial for regrowth. Follow these numbered steps for the best results.
- Locate the leaf stem (petiole) where it connects to the main stalk.
- Position your scissors or snips about one inch above this connection point.
- Make a clean, swift cut through the leaf stem. Avoid cutting into the main central stalk.
- Leave the small, inner leaves and the central bud completely untouched. These are the future of your plant.
If you are using your fingers, hold the leaf stem near the base and snap it downward and away from the main stalk. The goal is a clean break. If it tears, trim it neatly with snips afterward.
Handle The Harvested Leaves
Once picked, treat your kale gently to preserve its quality. Do not just toss it in a bucket.
- Place leaves gently in a basket or harvest container. Avoid piling them too high, as this can cause bruising.
- Keep them out of direct sunlight immediately after harvesting to prevent wilting.
- If leaves are dirty, you can rinse them later, but many gardeners prefer to rinse just before use to extend storage life.
Frequency Of Harvesting
Kale is a cut-and-come-again crop. Regular harvesting actually stimulates more growth. A consistent schedule is key to maximizing your yield.
- Begin harvesting when plants have about 10-12 mature leaves.
- You can typically harvest from each plant every 5 to 7 days during the peak growing season.
- Never strip a plant completely. Always leave at least 4-6 young, small leaves at the center to fuel regrowth.
When Is The Best Time To Harvest Kale
Timing affects both the yield and the flavor of your kale. You can harvest at different stages for different uses, and the time of day also matters.
Harvesting By Plant Stage
Kale offers flexibility. You can begin picking very early and continue until hard frosts.
Harvesting Baby Kale
Baby kale is harvested when leaves are young and tender, usually just 3 to 4 inches long. The flavor is milder, perfect for salads.
- Method: Use the “cut-and-come-again” method. With scissors, cut the entire plant about 1-2 inches above the soil level when it has 4-6 small leaves.
- Regrowth: The plant will often resprout for a second, and sometimes third, smaller harvest of baby leaves.
Harvesting Mature Kale
This is the standard method described earlier, for full-sized leaves used in cooking, soups, and chips. Plants are typically 60-75 days old from transplant.
Harvesting After Frost
Kale’s flavor sweetens after a light frost. Cold temperatures convert starches in the leaves to sugars. This is considered by many to be the absolute best time to harvest for taste.
Best Time Of Day To Harvest
For the crispest, longest-lasting leaves, harvest in the morning. This is when plant cells are fullest of water, making leaves turgid and fresh. Avoid harvesting in the heat of the afternoon when plants are stressed and may wilt quickly. Evening is a second-best option if mornings aren’t possible.
How To Harvest Different Kale Varieties
While the basic principles are the same, slight adjustments can help you get the most from popular kale types.
Harvesting Curly Kale
This is the most common type, with ruffled leaves. The dense curls can trap soil, so pay extra attention to cleaning. Harvest the outer leaves as they mature, working your way around the plant. The central stalk on curly kale can become quite tall.
Harvesting Lacinato Or Dinosaur Kale
Lacinato kale has long, narrow, bumpy leaves that grow more vertically. Harvest the lowest, outermost leaves first by cutting the stem at its base. New leaves will continue to form from the top center of the plant. This variety often produces leaves for a very long season.
Harvesting Russian Or Red Russian Kale
This variety has flat, tender leaves with a purple stem. It is often enjoyed as both baby kale and mature leaves. It tends to bolt (go to seed) quicker in heat, so harvest frequently to encourage leaf production and delay bolting.
Post-Harvest Handling And Storage
What you do after harvesting determines how long your kale stays fresh and nutritious. Proper cooling and storage are essential.
Cleaning And Drying Kale
Always wash your kale before storage to remove dirt, insects, or potential residues. Do not wash leaves until you are ready to store them for best results.
- Fill a clean sink or large bowl with cool water.
- Submerge the leaves and swish them around to loosen debris.
- Lift the leaves out, leaving the grit at the bottom. Repeat if necessary.
- Use a salad spinner to remove excess water thoroughly. This step is critical to prevent spoilage.
Refrigerator Storage Methods
For short-term use, storing kale in the refrigerator is the way to go. The key is managing moisture.
- In a Perforated Bag: Place dry kale in a plastic produce bag with a few holes punched in it for air flow. Store in the crisper drawer.
- In a Damp Towel: Wrap the dried kale loosely in a slightly damp paper towel, then place it inside a loosely sealed plastic bag or container.
- Stem in Water: For very fresh kale, place the stem ends in a jar with an inch of water, like a bouquet. Loosely cover the leaves with a plastic bag and refrigerate.
Properly stored, kale can last 5 to 7 days in the refrigerator, sometimes longer.
Preserving Kale For Long-Term Storage
If you have a large harvest, you can preserve kale to enjoy for months.
Freezing Kale
Freezing is the simplest long-term method. Kale works best in cooked dishes after being frozen.
- Wash and dry leaves thoroughly.
- Remove the tough center rib from each leaf if desired.
- Blanch the leaves: Submerge them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then immediately plunge them into ice water. This step preserves color, texture, and nutrients.
- Drain and squeeze out excess water. Chop if desired.
- Portion into freezer bags, remove as much air as possible, and label with the date. Frozen kale is best used within 8-12 months.
Dehydrating Kale
Dehydrating makes excellent kale chips or a powder for smoothies and seasoning. After washing and removing ribs, tear leaves into chip-sized pieces. Dehydrate at 125°F (52°C) until completely crisp, which can take 6-8 hours. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
Common Harvesting Mistakes To Avoid
Even with good intentions, it’s easy to make errors that can limit your harvest. Here are the most common pitfalls.
Harvesting The Central Growing Point
This is the number one mistake. If you cut out the central bud, the plant will stop producing new leaves. You might get one more flush from side shoots, but the plant’s primary production is over. Always look for and protect that small cluster of tiny new leaves in the center.
Waiting Too Long To Harvest
Older, over-mature leaves become tough, bitter, and fibrous. They are less pleasant to eat and can slow down the plant’s production of new, tender leaves. Regular harvesting of mature outer leaves keeps the plant in a productive, vegetative state.
Using Dull Or Dirty Tools
Dull tools crush and tear stems instead of cutting them. This creates a larger wound that is more susceptible to disease and pests. Dirty tools can transfer pathogens from one plant to another. Keep those snips sharp and clean.
Harvesting When Plants Are Wet
Harvesting after rain or watering can spread fungal and bacterial diseases through the wet foliage. If you must harvest when plants are damp, be extra careful not to handle other plants excessively and clean your tools afterward.
Encouraging Continued Growth After Harvest
Your job isn’t done after you pick the leaves. To keep your kale productive, it needs a little care.
Watering And Fertilizing After Harvest
Harvesting is stressful for the plant. A little support helps it bounce back quickly.
- Water your kale plants deeply the day after a major harvest if the soil is dry.
- Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer or a side dressing of compost every 3-4 weeks during the growing season to replenish nutrients used for leaf production.
Managing Pests And Disease
Healthy plants regrow faster. Regularly inspect the undersides of leaves for common pests like aphids, cabbage worms, and flea beetles. Remove any damaged or diseased leaves during harvest to improve air circulation and plant health.
Extending The Harvest Season
To get the longest possible season from your kale, consider these tips.
- Plant in succession every 2-3 weeks for a continuous supply.
- Use row covers in early spring and late fall to protect from extreme cold and pests.
- In many climates, kale will survive winter and produce a very early spring harvest before bolting.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Harvest Kale So It Keeps Growing?
You harvest kale so it keeps growing by only removing the older, outer leaves and always leaving the central growing bud and at least four to six small inner leaves intact. Make clean cuts about an inch above the base of the leaf stem. This method directs the plant’s energy into producing new growth from the center.
Can You Harvest Kale After It Flowers?
Yes, you can harvest kale after it flowers, but the leaves often become more bitter and tough once the plant has bolted. The flower buds and stems are also edible and have a mild broccoli-like flavor. It’s best to harvest most of your leaves before the plant sends up a major flower stalk for the best leaf quality.
What Is The Cut And Come Again Method For Kale?
The cut and come again method for kale involves cutting the entire plant about 1-2 inches above the soil when the leaves are young and small, typically for baby kale. The plant will then resprout from the remaining stem, allowing for a second, and sometimes third, harvest of tender leaves before the plant is exhausted.
How Many Times Can You Harvest A Kale Plant?
You can harvest a single kale plant many times over its lifespan. Using the standard leaf-by-leaf method, you can harvest from a healthy plant every week for several months, often from early summer right through to a hard freeze. A well-maintained kale plant can provide 5-10 harvests or more in a single season.
Does Kale Grow Back After Winter?
In many regions, kale does grow back after winter. If the roots survive the winter cold, the plant will often send up fresh, new leaves very early in the spring. This is a welcome bonus harvest before the plant eventually bolts as the weather warms. Mulching heavily around the base in fall improves the chances of overwintering success.