May 31, 2009
After having raised a stand of black cale all fall and winter, it finally started to bloom. I cut the tops and sold them. I had picked leaves and eaten them and sold them for several months. When it came time to remove them, it occurred to me that I might be able to get a second crop from them. It is well known that other cole crops, such as Brussels sprouts and broccoli will resprout if cut back.
Instead of removing the plants, I cut them back to about eight inches tall. I began watering them regularly.
Here is a picture of the cale plants. They are beginning to sprout new leaves at the axils of the old leaves. The leaves on the bare stems are about 1/4 inch long. The plants with lower leaves have new leaves about one and on half inches long. The conclusion so far is that a couple lower leaves should be left on to give the new leaves a head start.
June 16 Update: It worked!! Here is a picture of the new leaves. I will try eating some next week.
The kale plants produced well until July 12, 2009. I ate from them regularly during that time period. I pulled them on that date to make room for another crop. On the right is a picture of them before they were pulled.
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