Brassica oleracea (Kale) Cadet – Finely curled, winter-hardy kale

Medium-sized, flavorful kale

Brassica oleracea Kadet, better known as Kadet kale, is a proven variety of medium-sized, finely curled kale leaves. The plants reach a height of 60 to 80 cm and develop their best aroma and sweetness after the first frosts, making them an excellent choice for winter harvests and late crops.

Thanks to the fine curl of its leaves, Kadet is not only attractive in the vegetable garden but also culinary versatile. The leaves are ideal for soups, stews, smoothies, or briefly steamed, and retain their flavor and nutritional value even after prolonged storage.

Cultivation and planting advice

Cadet kale is relatively easy to grow, but it benefits from adequate nutrients and well-drained soil. As a heavy feeder, this kale needs sufficient nutrients for rich leaf development.

• Sowing: from May to June in the seedbed or in seed boxes

• Planting outside: June–July

• Planting distance: 50 x 50 cm

This kale variety is suitable for subsequent crops and can be flexibly combined with early harvests of other vegetables, thus making optimal use of the vegetable garden.

Harvest period and frost resistance

Kadet kale is harvested from October to January, depending on weather conditions and sowing time. The variety is winter-hardy down to around -15°C and can be harvested even longer in harsh winters with some light frost protection, such as a covering fleece.

The cold causes the leaves to develop a natural sweetness, which not only makes kale more tasty but also gives it a higher culinary value.

Culinary applications

The finely curled leaves of Kadet kale are versatile:

• Soups and stews: the leaves retain their texture

• Steamed or boiled: mild taste and preservation of nutrients

• Salads and smoothies: young leaves can be used raw

• Winter meals: perfect for stews or vegetable mixes

Thanks to the medium-sized structure of the leaves, Kadet is also suitable for portion harvesting, where leaves are harvested during the winter season without damaging the entire plant.

Care and nutrition

Kale is a heavy feeder, so proper soil preparation and regular fertilization are crucial. Organic fertilizers or compost at planting, combined with additional nitrogen-rich feeding during the growing season, ensure strong, healthy leaves. Regular watering is important, especially during dry spells, but the soil must remain well-drained to prevent root rot.

Properties of Kadet kale

• Type: Curly kale / kale

• Height: 60–80 cm

• Leaves: finely curled, medium green

• Harvest period: October – January

• Winter hardiness: up to approximately -15 °C, cover lightly in case of severe frost

• Cultivation: sow May–June, plant out June–July

• Planting distance: 50 x 50 cm

• Nutrition: heavy feeder, extra fertilization recommended

Ideal for hobby gardeners and winter crops

Whether you have a small vegetable garden or a professional winter vegetable patch, Kadet kale offers a reliable harvest of tasty, finely curled leaves. Thanks to its winter hardiness, early maturing ability, and rich flavor, Kadet is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to harvest fresh, nutritious vegetables throughout the winter.