Have I killed my Tuskan Kale?

[Snadger]

I've just had my first boiling of my Tuscan kale (Toscana something or other!)
Instead of taking the older leaves off, like I did last year, I decided to cut it's heart out with a knife! (ouch!!!) Consequently I've just eaten the most tender young shoots and very nice they were too!

I've only done this with 4 plants so will just have to wait and see what the outcome is?

Last years crop eventually went to seed in late Spring and the florets were delicious too!

Here's hoping that my hard pruning forces more succulent side shoots to appear!

[Two_Sheds]

Mmmm, I did this too. You will get some new shoots, but not as many as if you strip off the outer leaves first. Same thing with chard.

[pigletwillie]

I decided to cut it's heart out with a knife! (ouch!!!)

Are you sure it wasnt Mackem Kale Snadger

[jaykay]

Ouch! That would have to be the red variety!

I've wondered when to start harvesting kale. I didn't want to leave the leaves too long and find they are tough. Will try picking the outer leaves soon to prompt new growth.

[sewer rat]

I leave the thicker outer leaves on for some plant protection, and strip some but not all the intermediate leaves for eating, leaving the heart intact to continue sprouting more and more and more leaves.

[SarzWix]

Are you sure it wasnt Mackem Kale Snadger

HEY! That's me you're talkin about !!

[Snadger]

HEY! That's me you're talkin about !!

We all have our cross to bear SarzWix!

[Two_Sheds]

I've wondered when to start harvesting kale. I didn't want to leave the leaves too long and find they are tough.

You'll prob want to strip the green leaf from the white rib, which is a bit tough. Baby leaves can of course be eaten entire.

[Flummery]

I had my first lot of kale a week ago. The tough outer leaves are now lace (some butterflies got under the net!) so in effect it was the middle leave I took - one or two from each plant. they seem none the worse. I'd be intereted to find out what happens with your 'beheaded' plants Snadger.

[momol]

Snadger,how is your headless dino kale ? do they finally send some new shoots ?
I am planning to behead my dino kale too as they are reaching the cloache ( 65 cm).
I beheaded my early PSB a month earlier and to my surprise the send out some 3 to 4 shoots... hope it work the same with the dino kale too.

Momol

[Snadger]

You'll be pleased to know the beheaded tuscan is throwing up lots of young shoots! They look nice and tasty now, but I'm going to leave them a bit longer and compare full headed/beheaded versions! Watch this space!

[momol]

Thanks Snadger, will behead my Dino kale for X-mas.
And looking forward to hearing your Dino kale comparison...

Merry Christmas...

momol