Malkia Curly Kale Farming in Kenya: Why You Need Malkia Curly Kales in Your Farm

Malkia Curly kale popularly known as ‘Sukuma matumbo’ in Kenya is a specific kale variety of elongated leaves with wavy to curly margins. Just like other kale varieties, Malkia Kale is believed to have originated in the Eastern Mediterranean and Asia Minor. It is an early maturing kale variety that produces large sized leaves and is known for its high yield.

Malkia Curly Kale

Ideal climatic conditions for Malkia Curly Kale farming in Kenya

Curly kale thrives in cool climates with temperatures ranging between 15 to 24 degrees Celsius. It does well in well-drained fertile soils that are rich in organic matter with a slightly acidic to neutral pH(6.0-7.0).

Step by step process for planting Malkia Curly Kale.

1.       Soil Preparation

ü  Choose well-drained soil rich in organic matter.

ü  Ensure a slightly acidic to neutral Ph (6.0-7.0).

ü  Till (dig up) the soil to obtain a soft and fine texture.

2.       Seedling transplanting

ü  Obtain ready to plant seedlings from Richfarm Kenya: simply call them on 0724698357 / 0723213602 / 0798919007 to order your seedlings. 

ü  Make a small hole on the prepared soil; just enough to cover the root bud of the seedling. Be sure not to burry the seedling too deep. 

3.       Spacing

ü  Space seedlings 30 to 45 cm (12-18 inches) apart for proper growth. We recommend that you space the lines 45 cm from each other and the plants 30cm from each other. 

4.       Watering

ü  Keep the soil consistently moist but not water-logged. Being a leafy vegetable, overhead irrigation using a sprinkler would be the best method to irrigate. 

5.       Timing

ü  The kale should be planted in a season with favourable growing conditions. Plant your seedlings when temperatures are between 15-24 degree Celsius for optimal growth. If it isn't raining, ensure that you sufficiently water the soils before doing the actual seedling transplanting. 

6.       Pest and Disease management

ü  Regularly inspect for pests and diseases. Address any issues promptly. See the pest and disease management section below to learn about the common pests and diseases affacting Malkia curly kale farmers in Kenya and how to control them. 

7.       Harvesting

ü  Harvest by picking outer leaves first, leaving the central bud intact.

Watering requirements.

A farmer should aim at keeping the soil consistently moist for Malkia kale through regular watering while ensuring there is a good airflow, and the soil is not waterlogged. However, the watering frequency will depend on the weather conditions- hotter and drier climates may require more frequent watering as opposed to wet and cooler regions. Watering deeply ensures strong root development. Mulching is also encouraged around the kale to help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

Why should you consider growing Malkia Curly Kale?

·      It produces a high yield.

·      It is an early maturing kale variety.

Nutritional benefits of Malkia Curly Kale.

Sukuma wiki being one of the most consumed vegetable in Kenya, Malkia curly kale specifically has earned itself more popularity in the recent times due to its high nutritional value. It’s a nutrient powerhouse if we may say. It is rich in Vitamin A, C and K along with nutrients like Calcium and Potassium. What a fantastic additional to a healthy diet!

Pest and Diseases

Infected Malkia Curly Kale

Common pests for Malkia Curly kale include aphids, caterpillars, and flea beetles. Diseases like powdery mildew and downy mildew can also occur. A farmer should purpose to use organic pesticides, practise crop rotation, and maintain good plant hygiene to manage them.

                                                                      

Something you probably didn’t know about Malkia Kale.

Beyond salads, it can be used in smoothies, soups, or even baked into crispy kale chips. Its nutrient density and ability to thrive in various dishes makes it a culinary gem.

Experts at the Sim law seeds under the KENYA SEED COMPANY stated that it has lesser acid properties than the other kale varieties hence it is considered best for ulcer patients.