Giant Kale Walking Stick Kale

Giant Kale — Brassica oleracea

Walking Stick Kale

🌿 Description

Walking Stick Kale is a legendary and spectacular variety of kale, known for its impressive height and unique appearance. This plant develops a long, sturdy stem resembling a trunk, capable of reaching 1.8 to 3.5 meters (6 to 12 feet) in gardens, and even more in its native environment.

Its tall, upright and majestic growth makes it one of the most striking varieties in the garden. Green leaves grow along the stem and can be harvested progressively throughout the season.

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🎨 History

Cultivated in Europe for centuries, especially on the island of Jersey in the English Channel, this kale is also known as Jersey Cabbage, Tall Jacks, or Cow Cabbage. It was once widely grown for its practical uses.

The long, strong stems were traditionally dried, varnished, and turned into walking sticks, which is where its name comes from. The leaves were also used as nutritious animal fodder, while the more tender young shoots were reserved for human consumption.

This historic variety, both practical and ornamental, is now making a comeback among home gardeners fascinated by its size and unique character.

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🌱 Germination

Walking Stick Kale is easy to start from seed.

Sowing conditions

Sowing depth: about 0.5 cm (1/4 in)
Ideal temperature: 7–30 °C (45–85 °F)
Germination in 6 to 9 days

Spacing

Space plants 45 to 60 cm (18 to 24 in) apart to allow the stem to develop properly.

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🌿 Care

This variety grows slowly but becomes very tall and strong over time.

Sun exposure: 6 to 12 hours of sunlight per day
Soil: rich, deep, and well-drained
Watering: regular to support growth
Support: sometimes useful at the beginning to keep the stem straight

With good growing conditions, the plant forms a thick and sturdy stem over the months.

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❄️ Cold Hardiness

Walking Stick Kale is very cold tolerant.

Tolerates cool temperatures well
Can continue growing late into the season
Leaf flavor often improves after the first frosts

It is particularly well suited to northern climates such as Quebec.

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✂️ Pruning and Harvest Technique

Progressive harvesting helps form the characteristic long stem.

Harvest leaves regularly from the bottom upward
Leave the upper leaves to maintain growth
The stem thickens as the lower leaves are removed

This method encourages the formation of a strong, straight trunk.

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🍽️ Culinary Use

Young leaves of Walking Stick Kale are edible and flavorful.

Flavor similar to traditional kale
Best when young and tender

Ideal for:
stir-fries
soups
green smoothies
steaming

More mature leaves are often used as animal feed.

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🌾 Other Traditional Uses

Historically, this variety was grown for several purposes.

Making canes or walking sticks from the dried stems
Animal fodder
Impressive ornamental plant

Its spectacular size makes it a true garden curiosity.

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⚠️ Toxicity

Walking Stick Kale is fully edible.
No known toxicity.

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💧 Hydroponic Growing

This variety can be grown hydroponically in its early stages, but it is better suited to open ground.

Type of growing: recommended in deep soil
Growth: large and vertical
Nutrient support: rich soil preferred to reach full height

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✅ Quick Facts

Type: Giant kale
Maturity: About 100 days
Height: 1.8 to 3.5 m (6 to 12 ft)
Sun exposure: 6–12 hours of sun
Spacing: 45–60 cm (18–24 in)
Frost tolerance: Yes
Use: Edible, fodder, and ornamental

Advantages: Historic variety, giant stem that can be turned into a walking stick, very hardy, spectacular in the garden.