Kale is a close relative of cabbage, and has smooth-textured leaves in Brassica oleracea and ruffled leaves in Brassica napus. After cutting off its tough stems, you can stir fry it or eat it raw in a salad. It is suggested to utilize it when it is still young since the mild flavour is at its best; nevertheless, as it ages, the leaves begin to taste harsh. Let's take a closer look at cultivation of kale in India.
Nutritional Value of Kale
One of the finest low-calorie meals is kale, which is also rich in vitamins and minerals. It contains a lot of manganese and vitamin K. Lutein and zeaxanthin, two carotenoids, is also found in kale. The amount of glucosinolate chemical compounds in kale drops when it is boiled, but not when it is steamed, microwaved, or stir-fried.
Growing Season for Kale in India
Kale prefers a cold, dry environment. It can be cultivated in India throughout the winter. In October and November, seeds are sowed.
Kale growing techniques
Kale can be grown from seeds using one of two techniques. The seeds can be sown directly into the ground or they can be started inside in seedling trays and then transplanted into the ground.
Through Seeds
Kale is typically propagated using seeds from October to November. They can be grown in a yard or container. Pick a standard, well-draining potting mix for containers. Transplant them in the garden after the leaves begin to appear after 4-6 weeks. Using a seedling tray filled with seed starting mixture, plant the seeds outside 15–18 inches apart and half an inch deeper in well-draining, loamy soil. After 5–6 weeks, move the seedling into the garden.
From Cuttings
Take a healthy kale plant's stem and remove 3–4 inches of it. Except for a few top leaves, remove the side leaves from the stem. Before planting, soak this cutting in a rooting hormone. After that, put it in a container with soil that drains nicely. Keep it in some shade and mist it frequently. Within 3 to 4 weeks, shoots will appear. After two to three months, when it begins to show strong development, you can transplant this into a larger pot or garden.
Requirements to Grow Kale in India
Light: Choose a location that will receive enough sunshine when planting during the chilly season. It is advised to get 8 to 10 hours of sun each day.
Water: For the crop to develop healthily, it will be necessary to water it sufficiently. Make sure not to overwater, please.
Neighbouring Plant: Kale does best when grown alongside other types of cabbage, beets, onions, and other herbs. If the food is cultivated in a hotter environment with shade, the flavour will be somewhat harsh. Kale tastes sweeter because of the cold.
Kale Growing Tips
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If the plant is cultivated in a hotter environment with shade, the flavour will be somewhat harsh. Kale tastes sweeter because of the cold.
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Once the crop grows 6 inches tall, mulch the crop if your kale leaves begin to decay.
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Pests have a hard time eating kale. Aphids, cabbage worms, cutworms, and flea beetles are a few pests that can harm the crop. Along with plucking wilted leaves, add organic fertilizer to pots as the growing season progresses. This can help in preventing infections and pests.
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To encourage plant development in containers throughout the winter, use bamboo sticks.
Harvesting Strategy for Kale
After planting, the leaves can be harvested in about two months. Avoid delaying the harvest too much since over time the leaves can turn bitter and lose their fresh flavour. Remove the biggest and outermost leaves first. Avoid choosing stems with centre or terminal buds as these will encourage your plant to grow larger.
Even its leaves can be kept for up to a week in a refrigerator by being placed in a plastic bag.
