Kale is a popular vegetable in the cabbage group, and it is a cool-season biennial vegetable, meaning it takes two years to reach maturity. Kale is a nutrient-dense food that is low in calories, rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. As a result, it has become a popular choice for health-conscious eaters. When it comes to growing kale, one of the biggest factors affecting its success is the sun. Kale not only needs a lot of sun to grow to its potential, it needs an optimal balance of sun and shade. Depending on the variety of kale, it should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, with a few hours of afternoon shade. Kale that receives too much sun may become bitter and may not be as nutrient-dense. Kale that receives too little sun will not grow as well, and may be susceptible to pests and disease. When grown properly, kale can provide a variety of health benefits throughout the year. <\/p>\n
\nKale is a cool season crop that prefers full sun throughout the day, however it can be grown with some shade if needed. The optimal amount of sunlight for kale plants is 6 to 8 hours a day. Some kale varieties can tolerate more shade than others and can form with only 4 hours of sunlight. Here are the requirements when growing kale: <\/p>\n
\nWhen growing kale indoors, it is important to provide bright, indirect light on the plants. This can be achieved through window light, fluorescent or LED lighting, or a combination of the two. Kale needs full sun or at least 8 hours of indirect natural or artificial light to thrive. <\/p>\n