(Jersey Cabbage) This famous Channel Islands heirloom kale makes a tall, straight stem, 2m (6ft) tall topped with a rosette of edible leaves. The stems when mature in the autumn can be cut, carved and varnished to make attractive walking sticks. Plants left in a second year may run to seed or increase in height to over 3m (9½ft).
Sow late March to April, thinly into a well-prepared seed bed, 1cm (½ inch) deep in drills 75cm (30 inches) apart.
Provide a moist, rich, well-fertilised soil and sheltered situation. Harvest September to October. Overwintered plants will increase in height in second year.
Kale is a very good source of Vitamins A, C, K and folate and provides 50% of the daily requirement in a single 80gms (2.82oz) portion.