How to prune curly kale

Begin harvesting outer leaves 8–10 weeks after transplanting; harvest through autumn and winter (kale improves in flavour after frost). Snap or cut lower outer leaves at the stem, working upward from the base, always leaving the central growing tip and youngest inner leaves intact. Harvest from multiple plants in rotation rather than stripping one plant heavily. Remove yellowed or diseased leaves as soon as they appear.

Every 1–2 weeks during the growing and harvest season. Curly Kale benefits from regular leaf harvest and benefits from this being treated as harvesting rather than pruning. Remove lower and outer leaves frequently to keep the plant productive and upright. The central growing tip is the plant's growing point — leave it intact. Remove any yellowed, damaged, or pest-damaged leaves promptly to maintain plant health.

Snap or cut lower outer leaves at the stem, working upward from the base, always leaving the central growing tip and youngest inner leaves intact. Harvest from multiple plants in rotation rather than stripping one plant heavily. Remove yellowed or diseased leaves as soon as they appear.