How to Harvest Kale So It Keeps Growing All Season Long

Kale is a staple in many gardens, and for good reason—the cool-weather vegetable is a nutritious green packed with flavor that's easy to grow and tolerant of frost. One way to ensure flavorful, healthy leaves is to harvest your kale regularly throughout the season; doing so once or twice per week will ensure new, delicious growth. Ahead, we're sharing how to harvest kale leaves and seeds according to gardening experts.

When to Harvest Kale 

Harvest kale when the leaves reach their full size, which will vary depending on the type you're growing. All varieties of kale have a different growth rate, so it's important to research when your specific variety can be harvested, says Lotte Berendsen, certified botanist at the PlantIn app. Don't harvest the leaves before the plant is well-established, which could stunt its growth.

As for the time of day, aim to harvest kale in the morning or late evening. "Avoid harvesting greens at midday as the leaves could become limp quickly under the hot sun," says Luay Ghafari, creator of the popular blog Urban Farm and Kitchen.

How to Harvest Kale 

Kale is a cut-and-come-again green that will continue to grow after harvest. To harvest kale, cut the leaves off at the base of the stem with sharp, sterile pruners, says Berendsen. Avoid ripping the leaves off, which can damage the base of the plant.

When harvesting kale, don't cut off more than 1/3 of the plant at a time, and take leaves from the bottom rather than the top. It's essential to preserve the growth tips of the plant, also known as the apical bud (the youngest leaves at the top of the plant), says Andy Thewlis, master farm manager at The Inn at Little Washington. Accidentally disturbing the apical bud may keep the plant from bouncing back after cutting it.

How to Store Kale 

Wash kale immediately after harvesting and and let the leaves dry completely. Once dry, wrap the leaves in a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture and place them in an airtight bag; store them in the refrigerator for several days, says Ghafari.

How to Harvest Kale Seeds 

To harvest kale seeds, allow the plant to flower once the growing season is over. "Leave the flower stalk intact until it begins to turn brown," says Berendsen. "Once the flower pods have browned, cut the stalk before the seed pods open and drop the seeds to the ground."

After cutting the pods, let them dry completely, then place the dried pods in a container and shake until they open and release the seeds. "Once you have the seeds, place them in a cool, dark location until you're ready to plant new kale plants the next season," says Berendsen.