Flowering kale, also known as ornamental kale or cabbage, has become a popular choice among gardeners for its vibrant colors, unique textures, and versatile uses in the garden. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or just beginning to explore the world of flowers, flowering kale is an exciting plant to add to your collection.
What is Flowering Kale?
Flowering kale, scientifically known as Brassica oleracea, is a cultivar of cabbage that is grown primarily for its ornamental value rather than its edible properties. It is part of the mustard family and shares many characteristics with other cabbage varieties, but with a significant twist—its vibrant, colorful foliage. Flowering kale is often used in landscaping, garden beds, and containers to add beauty and texture during the cooler months.
While ornamental kale is not typically grown for its taste, it is related to edible kale and cabbage, which are beloved for their culinary uses. Flowering kale has large, frilled, or ruffled leaves that create a stunning visual display in hues of purple, pink, white, and green. The beauty of flowering kale lies not only in its appearance but also in its hardiness, making it a great plant for gardeners in temperate climates.
Flowering Kale Functions in the Garden
Aside from its ornamental value, flowering kale offers several practical benefits to the garden:
Winter Interest: Flowering kale is one of the few plants that thrive in colder weather, adding color and interest to the garden when many other plants have faded. It’s the perfect way to brighten up your landscape during the fall and winter months.
Container Gardening: Due to its compact size and striking appearance, flowering kale is an excellent choice for container gardening. Whether on a patio, balcony, or front porch, it adds a decorative touch to any outdoor space.
Seasonal Color: Flowering kale’s vibrant colors and textures make it a fantastic addition to seasonal plantings. It pairs beautifully with other fall and winter plants, such as pansies, mums, and ornamental grasses, to create a stunning display.
Companion Planting: Flowering kale can be used as a companion plant to other vegetables, such as carrots and beets. While it doesn’t require a lot of space, it can help deter pests and attract beneficial insects, contributing to a healthier garden ecosystem.
Can You Eat Flowering Kale?
You might be wondering, “Can you eat flowering kale?” The answer is yes, but with some considerations. While flowering kale is technically edible, it is not typically grown for its culinary value. The leaves of flowering kale are edible and can be used in salads, soups, and stir-fries, similar to regular kale. However, the taste is often milder and less bitter than other kale varieties, and some people may find it a bit tougher.
If you plan to eat flowering kale, make sure to choose younger, more tender leaves for the best flavor and texture. Additionally, ensure that the plant has not been treated with any chemicals or pesticides, especially if it has been grown primarily for ornamental purposes.
Varieties of Flowering Kale
Flowering kale comes in several different varieties, each with its own distinctive features. Some of the most popular types include:
Peacock Kale: Known for its unique and frilly leaves, Peacock kale displays vibrant shades of pink, purple, and white. This variety adds a dramatic flair to any garden and is often used in both flower beds and containers.
Osaka Kale: This variety is known for its dark green leaves that turn deep purple or pink as the plant matures. Osaka kale is an excellent choice for adding both color and texture to garden borders.
Pineapple Kale: Pineapple kale has a round rosette shape and is typically white or light purple in color. Its dense foliage and compact form make it a favorite for container gardening.
Winter Red Kale: Winter Red features deep red to purple leaves that have a dramatic, almost fiery appearance. This kale thrives in cooler temperatures and can be a striking addition to fall and winter gardens.
Each of these varieties offers a different color palette and visual appeal, allowing gardeners to select the perfect flowering kale to complement their landscapes.
Appearance of Flowering Kale
Flowering kale’s most striking feature is its bold, ruffled, or frilled leaves that resemble a flower, hence the name “flowering kale.” The leaves are often a mix of colors, with shades of green, purple, pink, and white. As the plant matures, the central leaves form a tight rosette, creating a flower-like effect. The outer edges of the leaves are typically a darker shade, while the inner leaves are lighter, often giving the plant a gradient or ombré effect.
Flowering kale’s colors become more vibrant as the weather cools, which is why it is often seen in gardens during autumn and winter. The frilled edges of the leaves add a sense of texture and movement, making it a dynamic plant in any garden arrangement.
Planting Techniques for Flowering Kale
Flowering kale is a hardy plant that thrives in cooler temperatures, making it an excellent addition to fall and winter gardens. Here are some key planting techniques to help you grow healthy and vibrant flowering kale:
Location: Flowering kale prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. However, for the best color and growth, choose a location where the plant will receive at least 4-6 hours of sunlight per day. A sunny spot will help the plant develop the most intense colors.
Soil: Flowering kale prefers well-drained, rich soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0). Adding organic compost or manure can improve the soil’s texture and nutrient content, helping the kale thrive.
Planting Time: Flowering kale is typically planted in the fall, as it flourishes in cooler temperatures. It can tolerate light frosts, which help intensify the colors of the leaves. However, it is best to plant it after the last frost of the spring, so it has time to grow and establish itself.
Spacing: When planting flowering kale, space the plants about 12-18 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation and room for growth. This will help prevent overcrowding, which can lead to disease or stunted growth.
Watering: Flowering kale prefers consistently moist soil, but it does not like to be waterlogged. Water the plants regularly, especially during dry spells, but ensure that the soil drains well to avoid root rot.
Fertilizing: Use a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth, especially if the soil lacks nutrients. A slow-release fertilizer can provide steady nourishment over time. Avoid using too much nitrogen, as this can cause excessive leaf growth at the expense of color.
Maintenance: Flowering kale is relatively low-maintenance once established. Remove any dead or damaged leaves to keep the plant looking tidy and encourage new growth. In areas with cold winters, flowering kale can be left in the garden, as it is frost-tolerant. However, if you live in a region with extreme cold, you may need to bring the plant indoors during the winter months.
Fun Facts About Flowering Kale
Hardiness: Flowering kale can withstand temperatures as low as 5°F (-15°C), making it one of the most frost-tolerant plants in the garden.
Attracts Pollinators: While flowering kale doesn’t produce showy flowers, its foliage can still attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, making it a great addition to pollinator-friendly gardens.
Longevity: Flowering kale can last for several months, often surviving through winter, depending on the severity of the frost.
Historical Significance: While flowering kale has gained popularity as an ornamental plant in recent years, it has been used for centuries in both culinary and medicinal applications in various cultures.
Conclusion
Flowering kale is a stunning and versatile plant that adds beauty, texture, and color to any garden. Whether you are looking to enhance your garden with vibrant seasonal color, create striking container arrangements, or even experiment with its edibility, flowering kale is a wonderful choice. With its hardy nature, unique appearance, and easy-to-care-for qualities, flowering kale is a plant that every gardening enthusiast should consider adding to their collection.
