How Do You Grow Autumn Star Kalettes?

Growing Autumn Star Kalettes: The Perfect Fall Crop

Autumn Star Kalettes are a delightful hybrid of kale and Brussels sprouts, and they’re every bit as unique as they sound. Their nutty, slightly sweet flavor is worth the effort, but let me warn you—they demand a bit of patience and planning.

Choose the Right Timing

If you rush this, you'll miss the magic. Kalettes thrive in cooler weather, so start your seeds indoors about 12-16 weeks before the first frost date in your area. This is a long-haul crop, folks, and it won’t tolerate summer heat.

They grow slowly, but trust me, the wait is worth it. As the crisp fall air settles in, the plant's flavor truly blooms.

Seed Starting and Planting

Use a fine seed-starting mix to sow your Kalette seeds. I space mine about 1/4 inch deep in trays and keep them moist—not soaked. Consistency is your best ally here.

Once the seedlings sprout their first set of true leaves, I transplant them into 4-inch pots to give the roots room to stretch. Harden them off gradually over a week before moving them outside.

Where to Plant

These plants need full sun and well-drained soil. A rich compost addition to the bed helps, but go easy on the nitrogen. Too much nitrogen, and you’ll end up with a jungle of leaves but no Kalettes.

Space them about 18 inches apart in rows 24 inches apart. Trust me, they get big.

Care Through the Growing Season

Kalettes are hardy, but they’re not invincible. Keep an eye on soil moisture—don’t let them completely dry out. I use a thick layer of straw mulch to retain moisture and minimize weeds.

Fertilize sparingly with a balanced organic fertilizer every four weeks. Overfeeding leads to leafy disappointment.

Pests and Problems

• Cabbage worms: These little green monsters will devour your Kalettes if you’re not vigilant. I inspect my plants weekly and hand-pick the worms, or I use a light dusting of Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis).
• Aphids: A strong spray of water usually dislodges them. If not, neem oil is a good backup plan.
• Clubroot: This soil-borne fungus loves brassicas. Rotate your crops yearly and avoid planting in the same spot for at least three years.

Harvesting Kalettes

This is the part where you’ll need to exercise some restraint. Autumn Star Kalettes are ready when the tiny florets, which grow along the stalks, are fully formed but still tight. Harvest from the bottom of the plant upward as they mature.

Don’t rush—frost actually improves their flavor. I like to let the first frost kiss my plants before I harvest in earnest. The sweetness that develops is unreal.

Storing and Cooking

Once harvested, store Kalettes in the fridge for up to a week. If you’re like me, though, they’ll never last that long. I sauté mine with a bit of olive oil, garlic, and a pinch of salt. Simple, but divine.

“A single frost transforms Autumn Star Kalettes from a decent vegetable to something downright unforgettable.”

Final Thoughts on Autumn Star Kalettes

Growing Autumn Star Kalettes is an exercise in patience and reward. They’ll challenge you, sure, but they’ll also delight you like few other crops.

So take your time, pour yourself into the process, and let the Kalettes remind you why you started gardening in the first place.

Growing Autumn Star Kalettes is a great way to both enjoy the beautiful colors of the season and try something new in the garden. This new hybrid brassica is sure to satisfy seasoned gardeners and beginners alike with its colorful and flavorful variety of greens and sprouts. If you're looking for something exciting to add to your garden this autumn, then why not try giving Autumn Star Kalettes a go?