Walking Stick Kale

Brassica oleracea longata 

 Walking stick kale can commonly grow up to 2m and even 3m over period of two years. This seed was given to us by an anonymous grower so we don't have much information about it - if it was you please get in touch so we can give thanks and credit. 

When to sow: Feb - May

Requirements: kale does best in full sun but tolerates partial shade. Soil needs to drain well and also be enriched. 

Harvesting: Harvest lower leaves first, these grow a bit like a palm tree, with the stem becoming woody as the lower leaves drop/are harvested. If you cut the top off they will branch out making multiple, smaller heads but the leaves often get a bit dense and tough. 

Saving Seed: Isolation - Brassicas (in this case B. oleracea) readily cross pollinate with the help of insects (the family includes broccoli, brussels, cabbage, kale etc). Because they cross so easily, it is best to allow only one type of B. oleracea to flower at any one time. Growing for seed saving - A large gene pool is needed when saving brassica seed. Allow at least 10 (preferably 20) healthy plants to flower if you plan to save seed - bear in mind, they do get big when in flower so allow plenty of space. Allow the seed pods to form on the plant and begin to turn brown. Cut whole branches as they turn brown but before seeds start to drop and bring them inside to hang and dry fully. Processing - Once fully dry crumble the seeds from their casings and pick large pieces of chaff out, don't worry about cleaning them too thoroughly though, we have a seed cleaning machine here and can do the rest. From 10 plants, you should have TONNES of seed, so share with seed networks, family, friends and keep some back for sprouting and microgreens.

How to return seed: Please send back at least 1/2 cup of seed or more to the network. Label with the variety, date and your name and contact. Send to: Omved Gardens, 1 Townsend Yard, London N6 5JF 

 See this video on how to rogue brassicas for seed saving 

Please remember, if you’re an individual grower you can order up to 3 packets of seeds. If you order more than this, you will receive just three packs to begin with. This is to ensure we get plenty of data in return and to keep our stocks sustainable for years to come.* 

*Community groups and Experienced Growers can order larger quantities, please email us if this is the case.

If an item is out of stock we will send a close alternative.