What To Know
- Its unique appearance, with deeply lobed leaves that resemble dinosaur claws, makes it a conversation starter, while its robust flavor and versatility in the kitchen make it a culinary delight.
- If you’re looking for a unique and rewarding gardening experience, learning how to grow walking stick kale is a great place to start.
- Walking stick kale is a versatile ingredient that can be added to a wide range of dishes.
Walking stick kale, also known as Tuscan kale or dinosaur kale, is a striking and delicious addition to any garden. Its unique appearance, with deeply lobed leaves that resemble dinosaur claws, makes it a conversation starter, while its robust flavor and versatility in the kitchen make it a culinary delight. If you’re looking for a unique and rewarding gardening experience, learning how to grow walking stick kale is a great place to start.
Getting Started: Choosing the Right Location and Soil
The first step in growing walking stick kale is choosing the right spot. This kale variety thrives in full sun to partial shade, but it needs at least six hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth.
Soil preparation is crucial for healthy kale. Walking stick kale prefers loose, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Before planting, amend your soil with compost or aged manure to improve its structure and fertility. You can also test your soil’s pH and adjust it if necessary. Walking stick kale prefers a slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5.
Planting Walking Stick Kale: From Seed to Sprout
You can start walking stick kale from seeds or purchase seedlings from a local nursery. If starting from seeds, sow them indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost in your area.
Direct Sowing:
- Prepare the soil by loosening it and removing any weeds.
- Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and 12 inches apart.
- Water gently and keep the soil moist until germination.
Transplanting Seedlings:
- Choose healthy seedlings with a strong root system.
- Harden off the seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for a week before transplanting.
- Dig holes twice the width of the root ball and space them 18-24 inches apart.
- Gently remove the seedlings from their pots and place them in the holes.
- Backfill the holes with soil, firming it around the roots.
- Water thoroughly.
Providing the Right Care: Nurturing Your Walking Stick Kale
Once your walking stick kale is in the ground, regular care ensures its healthy growth and abundant harvest.
Watering:
- Water deeply and consistently, especially during hot and dry periods.
- Aim to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
- Avoid overhead watering, which can lead to fungal diseases.
Fertilizing:
- Walking stick kale is a heavy feeder and benefits from regular fertilization.
- Use a balanced organic fertilizer or compost tea every 2-3 weeks.
- Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can lead to excessive leaf growth and reduce the flavor.
Pest and Disease Control:
- Monitor your plants regularly for pests such as aphids, cabbage worms, and slugs.
- Use organic methods for pest control, such as handpicking, insecticidal soap, or diatomaceous earth.
- Fungal diseases like downy mildew can affect kale. Ensure good air circulation around your plants and avoid overhead watering.
Harvesting Your Walking Stick Kale: From Garden to Plate
The best time to harvest walking stick kale is when the leaves are young and tender. You can start harvesting outer leaves when they are about 6-8 inches long.
Harvesting Techniques:
- Use a sharp knife or scissors to cut the leaves at the base, leaving the central growing point intact.
- Harvest leaves regularly to encourage continued growth.
- You can also harvest entire leaves by cutting them at the base, but this will limit future growth.
Storage:
- Store harvested leaves in plastic bags in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- For longer storage, blanch the leaves in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then shock them in ice water. Drain and store in freezer bags for up to 6 months.
Cooking with Walking Stick Kale: Unleashing the Flavor
Walking stick kale is a versatile ingredient that can be added to a wide range of dishes. Its slightly bitter flavor and sturdy texture make it ideal for:
- Sautéing: Sauté kale with garlic, onion, and olive oil for a simple and flavorful side dish.
- Soups and Stews: Add kale to soups and stews for added depth of flavor and nutrients.
- Salads: Use chopped kale in salads for a crunchy and flavorful addition.
- Smoothies: Blend kale into smoothies for a hidden boost of vitamins and minerals.
Beyond the Harvest: Protecting Your Walking Stick Kale
Walking stick kale is a cold-hardy crop that can withstand temperatures down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. In warmer climates, it can grow continuously throughout the year. However, in colder regions, you can extend the harvest by providing some protection during the winter months.
Winter Protection:
- Cover your plants with row covers or burlap to protect them from frost.
- Mulch around the base of the plants to insulate the roots and prevent them from freezing.
Wrapping Up: A Kaleidoscope of Flavor and Beauty
Growing walking stick kale is a rewarding journey that combines the joy of gardening with the deliciousness of a unique and flavorful vegetable. With a little planning and care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of this unique kale variety that will elevate your culinary creations and add a touch of beauty to your garden.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: Can I grow walking stick kale in containers?
A: Yes, walking stick kale can be grown successfully in containers. Choose a container that is at least 12 inches deep and wide to allow for adequate root growth. Make sure to use a well-draining potting mix and fertilize regularly.
Q: How often should I harvest walking stick kale?
A: Harvest walking stick kale regularly, every 1-2 weeks, to encourage continued growth. This will also help to prevent the leaves from becoming tough and bitter.
Q: What are the nutritional benefits of walking stick kale?
A: Walking stick kale is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It’s a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron, calcium, and fiber.
Q: Can I grow walking stick kale from seed saved from my previous harvest?
A: Yes, you can save seeds from your walking stick kale plants. However, keep in mind that hybrid varieties may not produce true-to-type plants from saved seeds.
Q: What are some tips for preventing pests and diseases in walking stick kale?
A: To prevent pests and diseases, practice good garden hygiene, including removing weeds and debris. Rotate crops annually to break disease cycles. Use organic pest control methods whenever possible.
