How to Grow Kale in New Zealand
Updated June 2026
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.
What it looks like as it grows
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.
When it goes wrong
The most common ways kale trips people up, and what to change next time:
Leaves covered in grey aphids
Cabbage aphid loves kale. Hose them off, squash colonies early, and encourage ladybirds.
Holes chewed through leaves
White butterfly caterpillars. Net the plants or pick off the grubs.
Tough bitter leaves
Old growth or heat. Pick the young leaves and grow through the cool season for the sweetest kale.
🌱 Plant Kale in your garden →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.