Leafy greens
Kale
Pick the lower leaves and leave the centre growing.
Sowing & planting windows in Australia
Planting timing varies by broad Australian gardening zone. Local weather, unusual seasons and your garden’s microclimate can shift timing.
Cool
Sow · Jan–Feb
Core months: January, February
Possible / shoulder months: March, April, August, September, October, November, December
Temperate
Sow · Jan–Mar, Aug–Dec
Core months: January, February, March, August, September, October, November, December
Possible / shoulder months: April, May
Subtropical
Sow · Mar–May
Core months: March, April, May
Possible / shoulder months: June, July
Tropical
Sow · Apr–May
Core months: April, May
Possible / shoulder months: March, June, July, August
Arid
Sow · Mar–Apr
Core months: March, April
Possible / shoulder months: May, June, July, August
Getting started
Sow directly where plants will grow; thin seedlings to the spacing needed at maturity.
The right conditions
Choose sun to light shade and fertile, free-draining soil; protect from harsh heat where appropriate.
As it grows
Water consistently while establishing, keep weeds down and provide support where the mature habit needs it. Watch for local pests and remove damaged growth.
Ready to harvest
Pick lower leaves regularly and leave the central growing point intact for repeat harvests.
Related how-to guides
Harvest leafy greens for repeat picking
Identify the crop and whether you want individual leaves or a whole head.
Plant guidance: Desk-reviewed; not field-tested. Planting windows are a guide rather than a rule.