Walking Stick Kale on a white background.
Walking Stick Kale held by a gardener on a ladder with two kids holding the bottom.
Three foot Walking Stick Kale in the green house.
Several Walking Stick Kales growing in the green house.
Walking Stick Kale on a white background.
Walking Stick Kale held by a gardener on a ladder with two kids holding the bottom.
Three foot Walking Stick Kale in the green house.
Several Walking Stick Kales growing in the green house.

Kale Seeds,
Walking Stick

4.68 ReviewsSKU: #KA112
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Min. 60 seeds

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Description

(Brassica oleracea). Walking Stick kale is the stuff of legend. We remember reading about this fascinating plant in the seed catalogs of yesteryear. Also known as Tall Jacks, Jersey Cabbage, or Cow Cabbage, this extra-tall kale is said to grow up to 20 feet in its native range, with an average of 6-12 feet in our gardens. Grown in Europe for centuries, mostly on the island of Jersey, the largest of the Channel Islands, where its long sturdy stalks were varnished and turned into canes. The leaves are also considered excellent forage for animals, with the most tender, young greens reserved for table use. Its many unusual uses, coupled with its strikingly tall stature, make it a standout variety from antiquity that we are delighted to see reintroduced to home growers.

Growing Tips: Walking Stick kale grows best in well-drained, loamy soil with a neutral pH between 6.5 and 7.5. It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. The ideal temperature range for optimal growth is 45-85 F.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Brassica oleracea
Life Cycle
Biennial
Sun Requirement
6–12 hr.
Days to Germinate
6–9
Days to Maturity
100
Planting Depth
¼ in.
Plant Spacing
18–24 in.
Ideal Temperature
45–85°F
Frost Hardy
Yes

Growing Guide

When to Grow

For best results, start seeds indoors about five weeks before the last frost, keeping them in a cool environment around 55 F. After a month, transplant the seedlings outdoors, ensuring each plant has ample space - around 18-24 inches apart - to accommodate its eventual size. Alternatively, direct seed 2-4 weeks before your last spring frost; Walking Stick needs about 100 days to mature, so it is a spring sowing rather than a fall one. 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 seeds 1/4 inch deep in well-draining soil. If planting outdoors, space seedlings 18-24 inches apart to allow room for their large leaves and tall stalks. Water the plants well immediately after transplanting.

How to Grow

Walking Stick kale requires regular watering, especially during dry periods, to maintain its growth and keep the leaves tender. Use an organic fertilizer every three weeks to support its nutritional needs. As the plant grows taller, it may require staking to prevent it from toppling over due to its weight. The tall stalks grow with a tuft of leaves at the top, and pruning will not encourage branching, unlike other kale types​.

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

What pests are common with Walking Stick kale, and how can they be managed?

This variety is relatively resilient to pests due to its height. However, it can still be affected by common Brassica pests such as cabbage worms and aphids. To manage these pests, use organic methods like neem oil or insecticidal soap. Regularly inspect the leaves for signs of pests and remove them manually if necessary. Netting can also be used to protect the plants from pests like cabbage butterflies.

How tall does Walking Stick kale grow?

Walking Stick Kale can grow remarkably tall, reaching heights of up to 18 feet, with an average of 6-12 feet. This makes it one of the tallest varieties of kale, primarily grown for its unique, sturdy stalks that can be used as walking sticks.

How can I use Walking Stick kale?

Apart from its culinary uses, Walking Stick kale is grown for its strong, tall stems, which can be dried and used as walking sticks or ornamental garden features. The leaves can feed livestock, and in the past, the plant was widely cultivated for this purpose.

Browse our full range of kale seeds.

Customer reviews

4.6 / 5 8 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Kale palm tree: Stalks reach 6 to 8 feet; stake them once they get tall.

  • Tons of greens: Heavy, long-lasting harvests of smooth, tasty leaves.

  • Takes heat and cold: Survives hot, dry summers and winter temps in the teens.

  • Thrives on neglect: Easy to start and grows with little water or fertilizer.

  • Heads up: Aphids and other pests love the leaves; check them often.

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