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Portuguese kale: How to Grow, Harvest, Fertilize, and Use Portuguese kale

Written By: Rob Gardener
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Growing Portuguese Kale: A Personal Journey

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As a gardening enthusiast, I've had the privilege of growing a wide variety of delicious and nutritious vegetables. One of my recent projects was growing Portuguese kale, a type of kale that's native to Portugal and known for its rich flavor and numerous health benefits. In this article, I'll share my personal experience of growing Portuguese kale from seed to harvest.

Why Grow Portuguese Kale?

Portuguese kale, also known as "escorça" in Portuguese, is a lesser-known variety of kale that's native to Portugal. It's a type of curly-leafed kale that's known for its rich, slightly sweet flavor and numerous health benefits. Portuguese kale is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like calcium and iron, making it a nutritious addition to a healthy diet.

I was drawn to Portuguese kale because of its unique flavor profile and potential health benefits. I'd heard that it was a great addition to salads, soups, and sautéed dishes, and I was eager to try it out for myself.

Preparing the Soil

Before I could start growing Portuguese kale, I needed to prepare the soil. I chose a location in my garden that received full sun to partial shade, depending on the season. I also made sure that the soil was well-draining and rich in organic matter.

To prepare the soil, I added a 2-inch layer of compost and well-rotted manure. I also mixed in a handful of balanced fertilizer to give the plants a boost. I watered the soil well and let it settle before planting the seeds.

Sowing the Seeds

Once the soil was ready, I sowed the Portuguese kale seeds about 1/8 inch deep and 2-3 inches apart. I covered the seeds with a thin layer of soil and watered them well.

I sowed the seeds in late spring, when the weather was warming up and the risk of frost had passed. I chose a location with good air circulation to prevent disease.

Caring for the Plants

After sowing the seeds, I kept a close eye on the plants and made sure to provide them with the right amount of water and nutrients. I watered the plants regularly, but made sure not to overwater them. I also fertilized the plants with a balanced fertilizer once a month.

I also made sure to provide the plants with good air circulation to prevent disease. I pruned the plants regularly to encourage bushy growth and prevent them from becoming leggy.

Harvesting the Kale

After about 60-70 days, the Portuguese kale plants began to mature and produce edible leaves. I harvested the leaves when they were young and tender, using a sharp knife to cut them at the base of the stem.

I also harvested the stems and curly leaves when they were mature, using a similar technique to the leaves.

Enjoying the Harvest

The best part of growing Portuguese kale was enjoying the delicious and nutritious harvest. I used the leaves in salads, soups, and sautéed dishes, and I was amazed at how versatile and flavorful they were.

I also froze the harvested leaves for later use, adding them to smoothies and soups for a boost of vitamins and minerals.

Conclusion

Growing Portuguese kale was a rewarding experience that taught me about the importance of proper soil preparation, watering, and fertilization. With the right care and attention, Portuguese kale can be a delicious and nutritious addition to any garden or diet.

If you're interested in growing Portuguese kale, I highly recommend giving it a try. It's a unique and flavorful variety that's sure to add some excitement to your salads and soups.

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