How to Grow Kale Inside for a Year-Round Harvest

Kale is a super healthy and delicious leafy green that can be grown easily indoors. With just a bit of care and effort you can have a continuous supply of fresh kale to enjoy in salads smoothies, soups and more all year long.

Why Grow Kale Inside?

There are many benefits to growing kale inside rather than outdoors:

• You can harvest fresh kale any time of year, regardless of weather or season. No more braving the cold to pick leaves!

• Kale grown indoors is protected from pests like cabbage worms that can decimate outdoor plants.

• You can carefully control soil quality, watering, sunlight and temperatures for optimal growth.

• It takes up very little space and works perfectly in pots on a sunny windowsill.

• The smaller leaves that grow indoors tend to be more tender and sweeter than outdoor kale,

• Staggered indoor sowings give you a continual harvest for months on end.

Choosing a Kale Variety for Indoor Growing

When selecting kale varieties for indoor growing, choose compact types that do well in containers:

• Dwarf Blue Curled Scotch – 12-24 inches tall, with tight blue-green curly leaves.

• Lacinato – 24-36 inches tall, with blistered dark green leaves.

• Redbor – 24-36 inches tall, with frilly purple-red leaves.

• Red Russian – 18-24 inches tall, with red stems and green leaves.

Essential Supplies for Growing Kale Indoors

To grow kale successfully inside, you’ll need:

• Planter or pot at least 12 inches wide and 5 gallons.

• High quality potting mix with organic matter and nutrients.

• Balanced organic plant food (NPK ratio).

• Powerful grow light to provide adequate light intensity.

• Self-watering containers or wicking mats for consistent moisture.

How to Start Kale Plants for Indoor Growing

There are a few options for starting kale plants indoors:

Seeds – Start 4-6 weeks before transplanting. Sow seeds in seed trays or small pots. Keep soil moist and provide light. Thin seedlings once they have 2-4 true leaves.

Cuttings – Take 4-6 inch cuttings from established kale plants. Place in water until roots form then plant in soil.

Transplants – Buy young kale plants and quarantine for a week before planting.

Providing Optimal Growing Conditions

• Temperature – Ideal soil temperature is 70°F. Keep away from drafty areas.

• Lighting – At least 5 hours of direct sun daily or use grow lights.

• Air Circulation – Use fans to prevent pests and diseases.

• Containers – Use pots with drainage holes to prevent soggy soil.

Caring for Your Indoor Kale Plants

• Water – Maintain moist soil. Use wicking mats or self-watering pots.

• Fertilize – Use organic liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks.

• Prune – Thin overcrowded seedlings for healthy growth.

• Monitor light – Check for leggy or folded leaves indicating insufficient light.

• Inspect frequently – Watch for pests, diseases, or deficiencies.

Harvesting Indoor Kale

• Pick outer leaves first for continual regrowth.

• Use scissors to cut leaves at the stem.

• Harvest baby greens at 4-5 inches tall.

• Pick small leaves for tenderness and sweet flavor.

• Stagger sowings to ensure a constant harvest.

Extend Your Harvests with a Freeze-and-Thaw Cycle

One way to make your indoor kale last even longer is to double harvest and freeze the extras:

• Pick leaves to use fresh immediately.

• Harvest more and freeze for later.

• Freeze clean leaves flat in bags or containers.

• Thaw as needed and use in cooked dishes all winter!

• Meanwhile, new leaves will be growing on plants for more harvests.

Keep Your Kale Growing with Proper Care

With the right care, your indoor kale plants can keep producing for a long time:

• Water and fertilize regularly to encourage new growth after picking.

• Inspect leaves and remove any pests or disease immediately.

• Ensure good air circulation and ventilation.

• Prune dying leaves and stems to rejuvenate plants.

• Start new plants from seeds or cuttings for a refresh.

Enjoy Fresh, Nutritious Kale Indoors All Year Round!

Growing kale inside is an easy and rewarding way to enjoy this super healthy green anytime you want. Follow these tips for starting, caring for, harvesting and maintaining your indoor kale plants. With minimal time and effort, you’ll have fresh kale leaves – no matter the weather outside!