About Kale
Kale is the most cold-hardy of the common brassica food plot species, capable of persisting and remaining palatable well into winter even in northern states. Its slower growth habit requires an earlier planting date than rape or turnips, and yields are lower, but kale provides valuable late-season forage when other plots have been depleted. The thick, waxy leaves become tender and sweet after repeated hard freezes, drawing deer reliably from November through January or later.
How much Kale seed per acre?
The standard broadcast seeding rate for Kale is 4–6 lbs per acre, dropping to about 3.5 lbs per acre when drilled. Pure stand: 4–6 lb/ac broadcast; in brassica blends use 1–2 lb/ac. Kale is slower to establish than rape or turnips. The calculator above scales this to your exact plot size and converts it into the number of retail bags to buy.
When to plant Kale
Kale is a cool-season crop. In the northern US, plant in Jun–Jul (early planting needed for slow growth habit); farther south, plant in Aug. Sow it 1/8" deep and plan on 90–120.
Soil, pH & fertilizer
Aim for a soil pH near 6.5(don't go below ~6). 300 lb/ac 19-19-19 at planting; N and boron top-dress per soil test. Heavy feeder like all brassicas. Not sure where your soil sits? Read our soil test & lime guide.
Kale blends well with rape, turnips, forage radish, cereal rye if you want a more diverse, resilient plot.
Kale FAQ
- How much Kale seed do I need per acre?
- Broadcast Kale at about 4–6 lbs per acre, or 3.5 lbs per acre if you drill it. Pure stand: 4–6 lb/ac broadcast; in brassica blends use 1–2 lb/ac. Kale is slower to establish than rape or turnips.
- When should I plant Kale?
- In the northern US plant in Jun–Jul (early planting needed for slow growth habit); in the South plant in Aug. Expect 90–120.
- What soil pH does Kale need?
- Kale does best at a soil pH around 6.5 (minimum ~6). 300 lb/ac 19-19-19 at planting; N and boron top-dress per soil test. Heavy feeder like all brassicas.
- Do deer like Kale?
- Deer preference: seasonal — medium until frost; high to very high post-frost; very cold-hardy, persists late into winter.