How to prune kale

Harvest lower leaves throughout autumn, winter and spring. Snap or cut the lowest leaves off cleanly at the stem. Leave the growing tip and upper leaves untouched. Remove any leaves showing yellowing, holes or disease promptly to reduce spread.

Ongoing — remove a few leaves per plant every 1–2 weeks. Kale does not need pruning but benefits from a simple harvest technique: always remove the lowest, oldest leaves first, working up the stem. This keeps the plant upright, productive, and well-ventilated. Remove yellowing or pest-damaged leaves promptly. Plants can crop for many months this way. Once the central stalk flowers in spring, harvest young flower shoots, then compost the plant.

Snap or cut the lowest leaves off cleanly at the stem. Leave the growing tip and upper leaves untouched. Remove any leaves showing yellowing, holes or disease promptly to reduce spread.