Trimming Kale - Knowledgebase Question

St.louis, MO
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Question by annyatty
February 2, 2000
I live in St. Louis. Do I need to trim my kale plants back in the winter? If so, how far from the stump of the plant?


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Answer from NGA
February 2, 2000
It's natural for the stem of the kale plant to grow tall. Edible kale can be harvested over a long season if you pull off the lower leaves but leave the inner leaves alone. Once you remove the growing tip, the plant will stop producing leaves.

Ornamental kale is an annual plant used to add interest to the winter landscape. If you cut the top off, the plant will die. Enjoy your kale until it looks really bizarre, then pull the plant out and put something else in its place. Primroses and pansies grow nicely in late winter and early spring.

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