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Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Tuff Turf Forage Kale
Highest-yielding brassica forage—survives hard frost, extends grazing into winter. 4-8 tons DM/acre. Brassica oleracea. 90-150 day maturity.
Growing Guides & Fertilizer Education
The highest-yielding brassica forage—Forage Kale produces more pounds of dry matter per acre than turnip, rape, or radish. Its exceptional cold hardiness (surviving well below 20°F) extends the grazing season deep into winter when every other annual forage is dead. Kale leaves and stems maintain 15-20% crude protein and high digestibility even after repeated hard frosts, making it the most valuable late-season forage option for livestock in northern climates. For deer food plots, kale provides standing green forage when everything else in the landscape is brown and dormant.
Category
Brassica
Type
Forage Kale
Scientific Name
Brassica oleracea var. acephala
Zones
Annual/biennial in all zones
Brand
Wicked Tuff Turf
What Is It ?
The highest-yielding brassica forage—Forage Kale produces more pounds of dry matter per acre than turnip, rape, or radish. Its exceptional cold hardiness (surviving well below 20°F) extends the grazing season deep into winter when every other annual forage is dead. Kale leaves and stems maintain 15-20% crude protein and high digestibility even after repeated hard frosts, making it the most valuable late-season forage option for livestock in northern climates. For deer food plots, kale provides standing green forage when everything else in the landscape is brown and dormant.
How to Apply ?
Step 1
Plant 120-150 days before frost; apply 80-120 lbs N
Step 2
Scout for flea beetles at emergence
Step 3
Spread seed (6-8 lbs/1k sq ft new; 3-4 lbs overseed)
Step 4
Plant 1/4 to 1/2" deep; firm seedbed
Step 5
Weed control important in first 6 weeks
Step 6
Graze at 18-24"; strip-graze into winter
Best For
Late-season and winter livestock grazing|Maximum brassica forage yield per acre|Extending grazing season into December-January|Dairy and beef cattle finishing forage|Deer food plots that provide standing winter forage|Silvopasture winter grazing supplements|Operations with long growing seasons (120+ days frost-free)
FAQs
1.
What is forage rape?
Forage kale (Brassica oleracea) is a tall-growing brassica bred for maximum livestock feed production rather than human culinary use. Forage varieties grow 3-5 feet tall and produce 5-10 tons of fresh biomass per acre—far more than garden kale varieties. While technically edible, forage kale is tougher, coarser, and less flavorful than culinary varieties. Its value is as high-yield, high-protein (15-20% crude protein) livestock feed for fall and winter grazing.
2.
What does 85/80 Kentucky bluegrass mean in this mix?
Plant forage kale in late spring to mid-summer (May-July) for fall and winter grazing. Kale requires 90-150 days to reach full maturity, so planting timing depends on your first frost date and desired grazing window. For zones 4-6, plant by mid-June for October-December grazing. Kale germinates in 5-10 days at soil temperatures above 45°F and grows best in cool weather, producing maximum biomass during the fall cool-down.
3.
How much clover is in the All Purpose Lawn Mix and will it be visible?
Seed forage kale at 3-5 lbs per acre broadcast, or 1.5-3 lbs per acre drilled in rows. For small plots, use approximately 0.1 lbs (1.5 oz) per 1,000 sq ft. Kale has very small seed—plant 0.25-0.5 inches deep in a firm seedbed. When included in brassica blends with turnips, rape, or radish, reduce kale to 1-2 lbs per acre. Kale benefits from 12-18 inch row spacing when drilled for maximum stem development.
4.
How cold-hardy is forage kale?
Forage kale is the most cold-tolerant brassica forage, surviving temperatures as low as 10-15°F. In zones 5-7, kale provides grazing well into December-January, often outlasting turnips and rape by several weeks. Like turnips, frost improves palatability by converting starches to sugars. Kale stems may freeze but the leaves remain grazeable until repeated hard freezes destroy tissue. In mild winters (zones 7-8), kale can provide forage through February.
5.
How much forage does kale produce per acre?
The All Purpose Mix performs in 3-8+ hours of direct sunlight. Optimal performance is at 4-6 hours. In shadier spots (3-4 hours), creeping red fescue carries the stand. In full sun (8+ hours), tall fescue tends to dominate over time. For less than 3 hours of direct sun, the Sun & Shade Mix is a better choice with its 65% fine fescue content designed specifically for heavy shade. The All Purpose is best described as a moderate-shade-tolerant blend.
6.
What fertilizer program does the All Purpose Lawn Mix need?
Apply 2-3 lbs nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft annually, with the white clover component providing an additional 0.5-1 lb N through biological fixation. Fall fertilization (September-October in zones 4-6) produces the best results. A simple program: 1 lb N per 1,000 sq ft in September, 1 lb in late October, and optionally 0.5-1 lb in late May. Avoid heavy spring nitrogen which promotes disease and weed pressure. Slow-release or organic fertilizers complement the clover's natural fertility contribution.
7
What nutrients does forage kale need to grow well?
Forage kale is a heavy feeder requiring 100-150 lbs nitrogen, 40-60 lbs phosphorus (P2O5), and 80-120 lbs potassium (K2O) per acre for maximum production. Boron is critical—apply 1-2 lbs per acre to prevent hollow stem. Kale responds strongly to nitrogen, with each 30 lbs N producing approximately 1 additional ton of fresh biomass. Soil pH of 5.8-7.0 is preferred. A soil test 2-3 months before planting ensures proper fertility planning.