A: Kale is cool-season cooking green somewhat similar to collard and nonheading cabbage. It has recently become known as one of the “super” foods – those foods important for their anti-oxidant qualities. “Kale” is a Scottish word derived from coles or caulis, terms used by the Greeks and Romans in referring to the whole cabbage-like group of plants. The German word “kohl” has the same origin. The Scotch varieties have deeply curled grayish green leaves.

Kale is native to the Mediterranean or to Asia Minor. It was introduced to America from Europe as early as the 17th century. Kale is not a big commercial crop in Florida, but is found in about one out of ten home gardens. Most southern gardeners, including Floridians, prefer collards to kale. Culture is similar to that for cabbage and collards. Throughout Florida, it can be seeded or transplanted from September through March with fairly good results. For best results, it should be planted so that harvest takes place in the coolest months.

For home use, some of the leaves are stripped off as needed; the plants then continue to produce more leaves. It takes about 2½ to 3 months from seeding to harvest. Because of the curly leaves, sand is more difficult to remove. Among the varieties listed by seed companies are ‘Blue Curled Scotch,’ ‘Dwarf Siberian,’ ‘Dwarf Green Curled Scotch,’ ‘Dwarf Blue Scotch,’ ‘Imperial Long Standing,’ ‘Siberian,’ ‘Spring,’ and ‘Flowering Kale.’ The latter is very attractive for landscape planting and is edible, but not very palatable. The term “flowering” derives from the shape and coloration of the plant, which resembles a flower, and does not refer to actual flowers.

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