CHINESE KALE (Broccoli) Vegetable Seeds
Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea var. alboglabra
Chinese Kale, also known as Kailaan or Chinese Broccoli, is a highly nutritious leafy green popular in Asian cuisine. Valued for both its tender blue-green leaves and edible flower shoots, it’s a fast-growing, cool-season crop that thrives in New Zealand conditions. With a mild, slightly sweet flavour, it’s perfect for stir-fries, soups, and steaming.
- Dual-purpose crop—harvest tender stems, leaves, and flower buds
- Mild, sweet flavour ideal for a wide range of dishes
- Grows quickly and allows for continuous picking
- Tolerant of light frosts and well-suited to NZ spring and autumn
- Great for garden beds or large containers
Plant Details
- Plant Type: Annual leafy green vegetable
- Plant Height: 40–60 cm
Sowing Information
- Germination: 7–14 days (optimal soil temperature 10–29°C)
- Depth: Sow 0.5–1 cm deep
- Position: Full sun to partial shade
- Sow Where: Directly into garden beds or large pots
- Soil Type: Fertile, well-drained soil with compost; pH 6.0–7.0
- Spacing: 30–45 cm between plants; 45–60 cm between rows
Growing Tips for New Zealand Gardeners
- Keep soil evenly moist to promote tender stems and foliage
- Mulch around the base of plants to reduce weeds and retain moisture
- Harvest young leaves and flower shoots regularly to extend cropping
- Feed with a balanced organic fertiliser every 2–3 weeks
- Remove older leaves to encourage new, tender growth
Harvest
Ready to harvest 50–70 days from sowing. Pick leaves and flower shoots while young and tender for the best flavour and texture.
When to Sow Chinese Kale in New Zealand
| NZ Region | Sowing Window | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| North Island – Upper (e.g. Auckland, Bay of Plenty) | March–October | Sow in cooler months. Water well and provide part shade in late spring. |
| North Island – Lower (e.g. Wellington, Taranaki) | March–October | Great spring and autumn crop. Protect young seedlings from slugs. |
| South Island – Northern (e.g. Nelson, Marlborough) | March–October | Mulch well and water regularly for tender shoots. Avoid summer heat. |
| South Island – Central & Southern (e.g. Canterbury, Otago) | August–October | Sow in early spring or late summer. Protect seedlings from frost. |
