PREMIER SEEDS DIRECT - Cabbage Ornamental Mix - 170 Seeds

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Too much fertilizer can interfere with color and cause stem elongation, so fertilizing kale at planting time should be enough. Use a balanced fertilizer (ratio 3-1-2 or 1-1-1) with micro-nutrients. Both ornamental cabbage and kale are edible, although they tend to be more bitter than the edible cultivars (and the pretty colors turn an unappetizing gray when cooked). Ornamental kale leaves are often used as a garnish on plates in place of parsley. The production of flowering cabbage and kale has been increasing modestly in recent years. This is primarily due to a growing popularity with consumers, as well as to interest by the landscaping industry for products that can be used in late fall plantings. Retail garden centers, responding to this consumer demand, have added flowering cabbage and kale to their product mix to complement the traditional fall garden mum. In Northern Germany, there is a winter tradition known as " Kohlfahrt" ("kale trip"), where a group of people will go on a hike through the woods during the day before gathering at an inn or private residence where kale is served, usually with bacon and Kohlwurst ("kale sausage"). [27] Kale is considered a Northern German staple and comfort food. [28]

Redbor kale can be distinguished from other kale varieties simply by its deep red and maroon color. The Redbor kale has frilly, curled leaves that have deep purple stems and veins running throughout. Some plants are entirely magenta, thought at times, others may have leaves that are tinged with green. Kale originates from Northern Middle English cale (compare Scots kail and German Kohl) for various cabbages. The ultimate origin is Latin caulis 'cabbage'. [3] [4] History [ edit ] Children collecting leaves of red Russian kale (Brassica napus L. subsp. napus var. pabularia (DC.) Alef.) in a family vegetable garden

Popular Varieties of Brassica oleracea

Anthocyanins are pigments with strong antioxidant properties that are also present in blueberries and purple carrots. With vibrant purple-to-burgundy colored leaves, ‘Redbor’ is an exciting and radiant addition to your garden. This red version of Winterbor has all the frost tolerance and frilly texture you love, plus deep anthocyanin-rich coloration. Cut off flower stems as soon as they appear. Pests and diseases are pretty much the same as those that affect edible kale and are treated accordingly.

Until it gets cool, the plants won’t have much color. The white, pink, or red pigments really begin to show with frost and cold weather, getting great, vivid colors below 50°F. They really are cool-weather plants, and once acclimated they can survive temperatures as low as 5°F, so they may last well into November and December. Ornamental cabbage and kale are both a great addition to any landscape when you want to add bright, unique colors, and textures during the fall. And since they are cold-weather tolerant, you will be able to enjoy them long into the cooler weather months.

Flowering Cabbage and Kale Cultivars

For the fall garden, plants should be started by the first of July. The pots can be placed in the refrigerator for a couple of weeks before sprouting, but this is not necessary. Blue Curled Scotch’ is vigorous, frost-hardy, and compact in its growth habit. It takes 55 days to reach maturity and can be harvested all season long. Scarlet This beloved fuschia red kale is as frilly as it is vibrant.