Cabbage 'Dalmation'

Kale is very hardy and generally pest-free. It’s a very easy plant to grow. Kale flowers are self-incompatible, which means they can not be fertilized by pollen from other flowers on the same plant. To save seeds, several individual plants are required to maintain genetic stability — at least 10, but 30 or even 200 is better. Therefore it’s hard to save kale seeds on a small scale.

Plant in a location that enjoys full sun and remember to water moderately. Keep in mind when planting that Dalmation is thought of as very hardy, so this plant will tend to survive through freezing conditions. Dalmation tends to grow best in a soil ph of between 6.0 and 7.5 meaning it does best in weakly acidic soil - weakly alkaline soil.

Ensure a distance of 2.97 inches (7.62 cm) between seeds when sowing - look to sow at a depth of approximately 0.25 inches (0.64 cm). Soil temperature should be kept higher than 13°C / 55°F to ensure good germination.

By our calculations, you should look at sowing Dalmation about 120 days before your last frost date.

Ensure that temperatures are mild and all chance of frost has passed before planting out, as Dalmation is a very hardy plant.

It is named after the Yugoslavs (Dalmations) who came to New Zealand to work in the gum fields. They brought this plant with them.

Dalmation cabbage, Dalmation collards