How to Grow Kale in New Zealand
An easy autumn and winter crop right across the north. Flavour sweetens after a few cold nights. Cover young plants to keep white butterfly caterpillars off.
When to plant kale in New Zealand
Timing is everything in New Zealand, where the warm north and the cooler south are weeks apart. Sow or plant in these months for your region:
| Region | When to sow or plant |
|---|---|
| Northland | January, February, March, August, September, October |
| Auckland | January, February, March, August, September, October |
| Waikato & BoP | January, February, March, August, September, October |
| Wellington | January, February, March, August, September, October |
| Nelson & Marlborough | January, February, March, August, September, October |
| Canterbury | January, February, March, August, September, October |
| Otago & Southland | January, February, March, August, September, October |
| Central Otago | January, February, March, August, September, October |
Best kale varieties for NZ
- Cavolo Nero (Tuscan) — Dark blistered strap leaves, the popular Italian kale for soups and braises. (Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds)
- Red Russian — Tender frilly grey-green leaves with purple stems, mild and good raw. (Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds)
- Dwarf Blue Curled (Scotch) — Hardy compact curly kale that stands through cold and wind. (Yates NZ, Mr Fothergill's NZ)
How to grow kale
- Space plants about 40cm apart.
- Sow seed around 1cm deep.
- Position: full sun.
- Ready to harvest in roughly 70 days.
- Seeds germinate in about 10 days.
Companion planting
Grow kale near: Beetroot, Onion, Celery, Dill, Nasturtium.
Pests and problems
Watch for: White butterfly, Aphids, Diamondback moth. See our NZ pest and disease guide for organic control.
For a calendar tuned to your exact region, see the New Zealand planting guides or the Kale plant page.
FAQ
When is the best time to plant kale in New Zealand?
In the warm north (Auckland, Northland) sow in January, February, March, August, September, October. Cooler regions plant a little later. Check the table above for your region.
Where can I buy kale seeds or plants in NZ?
Try Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds, Yates NZ.