Seed Depth: 1/4–1/2 inch

Seed Spacing: 12–18 inches

Row Spacing: 18–24 inches

Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade

Days to Sprout: 5–10 days

Days to Maturity: 50–60 days

Growth Habit: Upright, leafy biennial grown as an annual

Sunlight: Thrives in full sun but tolerates partial shade, especially in warmer climates.

Soil Type: Prefers rich, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0–7.5. Adding compost improves soil fertility.

When to Plant: Sow seeds outdoors in early spring or late summer for a fall crop. For an earlier harvest, start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.

Direct Sowing: Plant seeds 1/4–1/2 inch deep, spacing them 12–18 inches apart. Thin seedlings to ensure proper spacing.

Indoor Sowing: Start seeds in trays and transplant when seedlings are 4–6 inches tall.

Succession Planting: Sow every 2–3 weeks for a continuous harvest during the growing season.

Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist, but not waterlogged, especially during dry periods. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and regulate temperature.

Fertilizing: Use a balanced fertilizer or compost at planting and mid-season to promote healthy leaf growth.

Pruning: Regularly harvest outer leaves to encourage new growth. Remove any yellowing leaves to maintain plant health.

Pest and Disease Control: Watch for cabbage worms, aphids, and flea beetles. Use row covers or organic pest control methods to protect plants.

When to Harvest: Harvest leaves when they are young and tender, typically 50–60 days after planting. Baby greens can be harvested earlier.

How to Harvest: Snip or gently pull outer leaves, leaving the central growing point intact for continuous harvests.

Seed Collection: Allow plants to bolt in their second year to produce seeds. Collect seeds from dry pods.

Storing Seeds: Store seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.