Growing Kale (Sukuma Wiki) in Kilifi
Soil suitability analysis based on Kilifi's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Kilifi is poorly suited to Kale (Sukuma Wiki). Kilifi's soil (pH 6.24, slightly acidic) gives Kale (Sukuma Wiki) a suitability score of 7/100. Match fertilizer to Kilifi's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Kilifi County is a challenging environment for Kale (Sukuma Wiki) (soil-match score 7/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 6.24 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5–7 band Kale (Sukuma Wiki) prefers, so no lime is usually required. The main gap is nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium — measured at N 0.8 g/kg, P 11 mg/kg, K 109 mg/kg against this crop's high/medium/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. Kale (Sukuma Wiki) prefers clay loam soils, while Kilifi is largely sandy loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. At 150 m, the county sits below Kale (Sukuma Wiki)'s preferred altitude range (500–2500 m), which limits yield potential due to heat stress. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Kale (Sukuma Wiki) is the #64 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Kilifi County. Kale (Sukuma Wiki)'s full potential is about 12,000 kg/acre (~KES 240,000/acre at KES 20/kg), but at Kilifi's 7/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 1,050 kg/acre (~KES 21,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Kilifi's soil: Sesame (Simsim), Sorghum, and Finger Millet — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Kilifi soil | Kale (Sukuma Wiki) needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.24 | 5–7 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 0.8 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 11 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 109 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 700 mm | 700–1,800 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 150 m | 500–2,500 m | Low |
Planting calendar for Kilifi
Long Rains· April–JuneMain season here
Short Rains· November–January
Dry Season· February–April
Top dressing guide
Kilifi's nitrogen (0.8 g/kg) is 67% of the 1.2 g/kg Kale (Sukuma Wiki) needs, so the standard 0.5 bags/acre is raised to 0.75. Split it across two applications to limit leaching.
Recommended seed varieties
No variety in our list is specifically rated for Kilifi's 150 m altitude and 700 mm rainfall, so all 2 are shown. Confirm with your agrovet before buying.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag