What To Know
- Fall is a time for vibrant colors, and decorative kale, with its ruffled leaves and mesmerizing hues, is a perfect way to add a touch of artistry to your garden.
- Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a newbie, learning how to grow decorative kale is easier than you think.
- Choose a spot in your garden that receives at least 4 hours of sunlight daily, but avoid harsh afternoon sun, especially in warmer climates.
Fall is a time for vibrant colors, and decorative kale, with its ruffled leaves and mesmerizing hues, is a perfect way to add a touch of artistry to your garden. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a newbie, learning how to grow decorative kale is easier than you think. With its low maintenance requirements and captivating beauty, this plant is a surefire way to brighten your autumn landscape.
Choosing the Right Variety
The first step to growing decorative kale is selecting the right variety. There’s a world of decorative kale out there, each with its own unique charm. Here are a few popular options:
- Redbor: This variety boasts deep red, ruffled leaves that are reminiscent of cabbage.
- Peacock: As the name suggests, Peacock kale features stunning, multicolored leaves that range from green to purple to red.
- Winterbor: This kale features a beautiful combination of green and white leaves, creating a striking contrast.
- Nero: This variety offers deep, dark purple leaves that add a dramatic touch to your garden.
- Lacinato: Also known as dinosaur kale, this variety features long, frilly, and deeply textured leaves.
Planting Time: When to Start
The best time to plant decorative kale depends on your climate. In cooler regions, you can direct sow seeds in the garden in early spring or late summer. For warmer climates, it’s best to start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost and transplant them outdoors once the weather has warmed up.
The Perfect Spot: Choosing the Right Location
Decorative kale thrives in cool weather and prefers partial shade to full sun. Choose a spot in your garden that receives at least 4 hours of sunlight daily, but avoid harsh afternoon sun, especially in warmer climates.
Getting Started: Planting Your Kale
1. Prepare the Soil: Decorative kale prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Before planting, amend your soil with compost or aged manure.
2. Spacing: Space your kale plants 12-18 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation and growth.
3. Planting Depth: Plant your kale seeds about ¼ inch deep or transplant seedlings at the same depth they were growing in their container.
4. Water Thoroughly: After planting, water your kale deeply to settle the roots.
Caring for Your Decorative Kale: Maintenance Tips
Once your kale is planted, it’s time to give it the TLC it needs to thrive. Here’s a quick checklist:
- Watering: Keep your kale consistently moist, but avoid overwatering. Water deeply once or twice a week, especially during dry periods.
- Fertilizing: Decorative kale is a heavy feeder and benefits from regular fertilization. Apply a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks.
- Mulching: A layer of mulch around your kale plants helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Pest Control: Kale can be susceptible to aphids and cabbage worms. Monitor your plants regularly and use organic pest control methods if necessary.
Harvesting and Enjoying Your Beauty
Decorative kale is primarily grown for its ornamental value, but you can also enjoy its edible leaves. While the leaves can be a bit tough, they can be used in salads, stir-fries, or soups. To harvest, simply snip off individual leaves as needed.
The Grand Finale: Enjoying Your Kale’s Fall Display
As the weather cools, your decorative kale will reach its peak beauty. The leaves will become even more vibrant and colorful, adding a stunning focal point to your garden. You can enjoy your kale’s display throughout the fall and even into the winter months in milder climates.
More Than Just a Pretty Face: The Benefits of Growing Decorative Kale
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, growing decorative kale offers several benefits:
- Attracts Beneficial Insects: The flowers of decorative kale attract beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings, which help control pests in your garden.
- Provides Winter Interest: Decorative kale can add color and texture to your garden even after other plants have died back for the season.
- Easy to Grow: Decorative kale is relatively low-maintenance and easy to grow, making it a great choice for beginner gardeners.
- Edible: While primarily grown for its beauty, you can also enjoy the edible leaves of decorative kale in your culinary creations.
Beyond the Garden: Creative Uses for Decorative Kale
Decorative kale isn’t just for the garden. Its vibrant colors and textures make it a versatile element for creative projects:
- Floral Arrangements: Use decorative kale leaves as unique fillers in fall floral arrangements.
- Wreaths and Garlands: Incorporate kale leaves into wreaths and garlands for a touch of natural beauty.
- Table Decorations: Add a splash of color to your table settings by using kale leaves as place cards or centerpieces.
What You Need to Know
Q: Can I grow decorative kale in containers?
A: Yes, decorative kale can be grown successfully in containers. Choose a pot that is at least 12 inches wide and deep, and use a well-draining potting mix.
Q: How long does decorative kale last?
A: Decorative kale typically lasts for several months, especially in cooler climates. In warmer climates, it may start to decline in the heat of summer.
Q: Can I save seeds from my decorative kale?
A: You can save seeds from your decorative kale, but keep in mind that the offspring may not be true to type. This means that the resulting plants may not have the same color and texture as the parent plant.
Q: What should I do with my decorative kale after it’s finished flowering?
A: Once your decorative kale has finished flowering, you can cut it back to the ground. You can also compost the leaves or add them to your garden as a natural fertilizer.
Q: Is decorative kale deer-resistant?
A: Unfortunately, decorative kale is not deer-resistant. If deer are a problem in your area, you may need to take steps to protect your plants, such as using fencing or deer repellent.
