Ornamental Kale (Brassica Oleracea)

Ornamental kale is relatives of edible kale. Unfortunately, they are only developed for their looks and aren’t really edible as their leaves are very bitter.

New cultivars are constantly developed by plant breeders. Kale comes in two groups: 1) the fringed leaf cultivar with its ruffled leave edges, 2) and the feathered leave cultivar with its finely serrated leaves.

They are colourful, easy to grow and long lasting with ruffled, scalloped or frilly leaves in cream, pink, green or purple. Their colours intensify when the weather gets colder. Perfect to brighten up your fall and winter garden just as long as your temperatures remain above 5 degrees.

Ornamental Kale is native to Europe and prefer cool weather of about 50-60 degrees. The can be planted in rock gardens, window boxes, pots and you can use them in bouquets.

These plants can grow from seeds in full sun and needs rich organic soil. The seeds take 5-10 days to germinate. If you want full and bigger blooms you need to fertilise them weekly during planting time. Keep the soil moist but not wet. Water stress can cause these plants to drop the lower leaves after turning yellow, it is best to use drip irrigation when watering.

You must on the lookout for cabbage looper, leaf roller and aphids attacking these plants, also be careful of excessive moisture and very humid conditions as this will cause mildew which will affect the younger plants.

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