Kale
Brassica oleracea var. sabellica
- Days to harvest
- 55–75 days
- Sunlight
- 5–7 hours/day
- Watering
- 1–1 per day
- Plant spacing
- 30 cm
- Minimum container size
- 20cm deep × 25cm wide
- Container-friendly
- 2 plants per container
- Estimated yield
- 100 kg / 100m²
- Life span
- biennial
Climate Requirements
- Ideal temperature
- 25-32 °C
- Annual rainfall
- 1500-2500 mm
- Humidity
- 60-80%
- Heat tolerance
- low
- Drought tolerance
- moderate
Prefers cooler temperatures. In lowland Malaysia, grow during monsoon season. Mulch heavily to keep roots cool. Consider highland cultivation (Cameron Highlands) for year-round production.
Soil & Planting
Planting method
Direct seeding or transplanting
Soil requirements
Well-drained fertile soil
Companion Plants
- Garlicstrong
Garlic repels cabbage loopers and aphids from kale through sulfur compounds
- Red Onionstrong
Onion deters cabbage worms and flea beetles from Brassica family crops
- Beetrootmoderate
Beetroot and kale occupy different soil depths; beet loosens soil for kale roots
- Garden Peamoderate
Peas fix nitrogen that feeds kale; kale provides ground shade for pea roots
Plants to Avoid Nearby
- Cherry Tomato
Tomato allelopathic root exudates suppress Brassica germination and early growth
Common Pests & Diseases
Common pests
Market Demand
Moderate local demand
Regional Notes
Suitable for Malaysian urban gardens
Sources
- Leafy Vegetables for Malaysian Climate — MARDI · Last reviewed: 2024-07-10
Category: Leafy Greens