WSU Clark County Extension
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Ornamental Kale

Scientific name: Brassica oleracea
Taxonomy
Family:Brassicaceae
Type:Annuals and Biennials
Native:NO
Plant Requirements
Zone:1 to 11
Sun:Full sun
Moisture:Medium
Plant Characteristics
Height:2 ft
Width:2 ft
Bloom:Fall flowers
Bloom Time:September to December
Bloom Color:Red
Additional Characteristics
Trees


Fruit

Leaves


Bark
Wildlife value

Poisonous
Description Northwest gardeners love to plant Ornamental Kale in the fall to have brilliant color down to as low as five degrees Fahrenheit.

  Morphology:
This is an annual that typically grows to 2' in height and width. Kale comes in three distinct leaf types. There are crinkle-edged cultivars, ones with feathery leaves and ones that have round leaves. The round leaf types are often sold as ornamental cabbage. All three types come with centers that are red, pink or creamy white.

  Adaptation:
Kale performs best when set out in full sun in early October through November and planted 10 to 12 inches apart. Flowering starts in late fall and continues through winter as long as daytime air temperatures stay above 40° F. The plants need to be almost full grown when coloring time arrives.

  Pests:
None reported.
For assistance, contact Dr. Charles Brun (brunc@wsu.edu), (360) 397-6060 5701
Computing and Web Resources, PO Box 6234, Washington State University, Pullman WA 99164-6234