Kale
Brassica oleracea var. sabellica
Spinach
Spinacia oleracea
Kale vs Spinach for Small Containers: Which Leafy Green to Grow
Comparing kale and spinach for container growing. Learn which produces more, grows faster, and works better for beginners on balconies.
Quick Comparison
| Criteria | 🥬Kale | 🥬Spinach | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | easy | easy | Kale |
| Days to Harvest | 55 days | 40 days | Spinach |
| Container Size | 8 inch pot | 6 inch pot | Spinach |
| Sunlight | full sun | partial sun | - |
| Water Needs | moderate | high | - |
| Yield | Higher | Lower | Kale |
| Beginner-Friendly | ⭐ Yes | Moderate | Kale |
Key Differences
Growth Duration
Long harvest period. Cut-and-come-again for 3-4 months.
Short harvest window (2-3 weeks) before bolting. Succession plant every 2 weeks.
Cold Tolerance
Extremely cold hardy. Survives down to 10°F. Flavor improves after frost.
Cold tolerant to 20°F. Light frost acceptable but prolonged cold damages leaves.
Heat Tolerance
Tolerates summer heat better. Some varieties handle 80°F+.
Bolts quickly in heat (above 75°F). Strictly cool-season crop.
Days to Maturity
50-70 days to full size, but can harvest baby leaves at 4 weeks.
30-45 days to maturity. Baby spinach ready in 3-4 weeks.
Plant Size
Large plants. 18-24 inches tall and wide. Needs 5+ gallon containers.
Compact. 6-12 inches tall. Thrives in 3-gallon containers.
Leaf Texture & Flavor
Thick, tough leaves. Earthy, slightly bitter. Best cooked or massaged for salads.
Tender, delicate leaves. Mild, sweet flavor. Perfect raw in salads.
Best for Kale
Choose Kale if:
- You want extended harvests (months)
- You have larger containers (5+ gallons)
- You prefer cold-hardy greens
- You make smoothies and kale chips
- You want continuous leaf production
Best for Spinach
Choose Spinach if:
- You want quick harvests (30-40 days)
- You have smaller containers (3 gallons)
- You prefer tender, mild greens
- You make salads and sautés
- You want succession planting
Can They Grow Together?
Yes, they can grow together!
Kale and spinach can be grown together in large containers (10+ gallons) with proper spacing. Both are cool-season crops with similar needs. Plant spinach around the base of kale plants for efficient space use—harvest spinach early while kale continues producing.
The Bottom Line
Kale
Choose kale for months of continuous harvests, superior cold tolerance, and nutritious greens that handle heat better than spinach.
Spinach
Choose spinach for quick harvests, tender salad greens, and if you can succession plant every few weeks for continuous supply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is easier to grow: Kale or Spinach?
Kale is generally easier to grow in containers. It requires less maintenance and is more forgiving of mistakes.
Which grows faster: Kale or Spinach?
Spinach reaches harvest maturity faster, typically in 40 days compared to 55 days for Kale.
Can I grow Kale and Spinach together?
Yes! Kale and spinach can be grown together in large containers (10+ gallons) with proper spacing. Both are cool-season crops with similar needs. Plant spinach around the base of kale plants for efficient space use—harvest spinach early while kale continues producing.
Which needs less space: Kale or Spinach?
Spinach requires less space with a minimum container size of 6 inch pot, making it better for small balconies and windowsills.
Which produces more: Kale or Spinach?
Kale typically produces more harvest per plant over the growing season, making it better for maximum yield in limited space.
Which is better for beginners: Kale or Spinach?
Kale is more beginner-friendly due to its forgiving nature and easier care requirements. It's a great first plant for new container gardeners.
What are the main differences between Kale and Spinach?
The key differences include: growth duration, cold tolerance, heat tolerance. See the detailed comparison above for complete differences.
Should I choose Kale or Spinach for my balcony?
Choose kale for months of continuous harvests, superior cold tolerance, and nutritious greens that handle heat better than spinach. Choose spinach for quick harvests, tender salad greens, and if you can succession plant every few weeks for continuous supply. Consider your space, sunlight, and what you want to grow when making your decision.
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