Thousandhead Kale in a glass vase with a smoothie on a white background.
Andrew holding two Thousandhead Kale leaves in front of a wooden wall.
Thousandhead Kale growing in the greenhouse.
Andrew holding one Thousandhead Kale leaf in front of a corrugated metal wall.
Thousandhead Kale in a glass vase with a smoothie on a white background.
Andrew holding two Thousandhead Kale leaves in front of a wooden wall.
Thousandhead Kale growing in the greenhouse.
Andrew holding one Thousandhead Kale leaf in front of a corrugated metal wall.

Kale Seeds,
Thousandhead

4.931 ReviewsSKU: #KA111Min. seed count: 250
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Description

(Brassica oleracea). Grow mammoth-sized kale that remains tender even as the leaves grow to an astounding 3 feet long. In The Vegetable Garden in 1885, French seed house Vilmorin mentioned this ancient variety from the U.K. as a productive, multi-branching type that also goes by the name “Branching Borecole.” Vilmorin also noted that the variety originally hailed from western France. Peter Miller of Kings Seed mentioned that Thousandhead kale was long appreciated in the U.K. as a fodder crop, but it has been rediscovered as a tasty culinary variety. Its leaf structure also makes for easier pest management. Those who have struggled with cabbage worms understand how caterpillars love to hide in the folds of curly kale leaves. This variety is just lightly curled at the edges, making caterpillars easier to spot and treat! This seed was sourced from Kings Seed of England; the King family has been in the seed business for centuries. John Kemp King began selling seeds in 1793; his grandson Ernest William began Kings Seeds, and it has been in business for 130 years! Kings Seed is the last remaining horticultural wholesale seed house in England and is still a family affair. Miller has worked for the company 55 years, and his grandfather also worked for Kings since 1913!

Growing Tips:Thousandhead kale grows best in full sun, but it can also tolerate partial shade. The ideal soil pH for this plant is between 6.0 and 7.5. This kale is cold-hardy and can withstand frosts, making it suitable for late fall and early spring planting.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Brassica oleracea
Life Cycle
Biennial
Sun Requirement
6–12 hr.
Days to Germinate
6–9
Days to Maturity
50–65
Planting Depth
¼ in.
Plant Spacing
18 in.
Ideal Temperature
45–85°F
Frost Hardy
Yes

When to Grow

Thousandhead Kale can be sown directly into the garden either in early spring, 2-4 weeks before the last frost, or in late summer, 8 weeks before the first expected frost, for a fall harvest. It performs best in cooler temperatures ranging from 45 F to 85 F​. If you’re not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

How to Sow and Plant

Sow Thousandhead kale seeds about 1/4 inch deep in well-draining soil. Space the plants 8 feet apart to accommodate their large size. This spacing allows for adequate air circulation, which helps prevent disease. Mulching around the plants can help retain moisture and keep the soil cool​.

How to Grow

Thousandhead kale requires consistent moisture to thrive; it typically needs 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week. Use mulch to conserve soil moisture and reduce weeds. This kale variety is relatively low maintenance, tolerating a range of soil conditions, and is less prone to common kale pests and diseases​.

How to Save Seeds

  • Like all cabbage family members, kale is biennial.
  • Kale is insect pollinated and will cross with some closely related cabbage family members, so it is wise to isolate varieties at least a mile apart to ensure pure seed. Other techniques such as alternate day caging can be used if isolation is not possible.
  • You will need to overwinter plants to harvest seeds. Mulch plants heavily with straw or cover with row cover and greenhouse plastic in an attempt to nurse plants through the winter. You can also dig up plants and store them inside to replant in spring.
  • When the flower spikes emerge in the second year, let the seed pods dry to brown and cut off the entire flower spike.
  • Hang flower stalks upside down indoors over a tarp, allowing the seeds to drop onto the tarp.
  • Seeds will remain viable for up to 4 years.

FAQ

Is Thousandhead kale frost-tolerant?

Yes, this kale variety is highly frost-tolerant. Its flavor and texture often improve after exposure to frost, making it an excellent choice for fall and winter gardens.

How tall can Thousandhead kale grow?

Most leaves grow to be 3 feet long; however, the plant can reach up to 5 feet, making it a substantial plant in any garden.

Can Thousandhead Kale grow in less-than-ideal soil conditions?

Yes, it is quite resilient and can tolerate less-than-ideal soil conditions, including poor soils; however, planting in rich soil will have better results.

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