What To Know
- Flowering kale is relatively low-maintenance and thrives in cool weather, making it a perfect choice for fall and winter gardens.
- While the leaves are slightly bitter, they can be enjoyed in salads, stir-fries, or even as a colorful garnish.
- Till the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches and incorporate compost or other organic matter to improve drainage and fertility.
Want to add a splash of vibrant color and unique texture to your garden? Look no further than flowering kale, also known as ornamental kale or kaleidoscope kale. This stunning plant isn’t just a feast for the eyes; it’s also a delicious addition to salads and other dishes. Learning how to grow flowering kale from seed is easier than you might think, and the rewards are well worth the effort.
Why Choose Flowering Kale?
Flowering kale offers a multitude of benefits for gardeners of all levels:
- Stunning Visual Appeal: Its frilly, ruffled leaves come in a rainbow of colors, from deep purple and vibrant red to soft pink and creamy white. The leaves form beautiful rosettes that add a touch of elegance to any garden bed or container.
- Easy to Grow: Flowering kale is relatively low-maintenance and thrives in cool weather, making it a perfect choice for fall and winter gardens.
- Versatile: It can be grown as an annual or biennial, depending on your climate.
- Edible: While the leaves are slightly bitter, they can be enjoyed in salads, stir-fries, or even as a colorful garnish.
- Attracts Beneficial Insects: Flowering kale attracts pollinators and other beneficial insects, helping to keep your garden healthy.
Getting Started: Selecting Seeds and Choosing the Right Location
Choosing the Right Seeds
The first step in growing flowering kale from seed is selecting the right variety. There are numerous cultivars available, each with its own unique color and leaf shape.
- For a classic look: Choose varieties like ‘Redbor’ or ‘Winterbor’ with their deep red and purple hues.
- For a more vibrant display: Opt for ‘Peacock’ or ‘Red Ruffles’ with their striking colors and ruffled leaves.
- For a softer touch: Consider ‘White Curls’ or ‘Coral Sunset’ for their delicate colors and intricate leaf patterns.
Choosing the Right Location
Flowering kale prefers a sunny to partially shaded location with well-drained soil. It’s important to choose a spot that receives at least 4-6 hours of sunlight per day.
Sowing the Seeds: A Step-by-Step Guide
Starting Seeds Indoors
1. Timing: Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date in your area.
2. Seed Tray: Fill seed trays with a seed starting mix and moisten it thoroughly.
3. Sowing: Sow one or two seeds per cell, pressing them gently into the soil.
4. Covering: Lightly cover the seeds with soil and water gently.
5. Light and Temperature: Place the seed tray in a bright location, but avoid direct sunlight. Maintain a temperature of around 70°F (21°C).
6. Germination: Flowering kale seeds typically germinate in 7-10 days.
Direct Sowing
You can also sow flowering kale seeds directly outdoors after the last frost date.
1. Prepare the Soil: Till the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches and incorporate compost or other organic matter to improve drainage and fertility.
2. Spacing: Space seeds 12-18 inches apart.
3. Sowing: Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and water gently.
4. Thinning: Once seedlings have emerged, thin them to the strongest plant every 12-18 inches.
Nurturing Your Seedlings: From Tiny Sprout to Vibrant Plant
Watering and Fertilizing
Flowering kale prefers consistently moist soil, so water regularly, especially during dry periods. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilize with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks, especially during the growing season.
Protecting from Pests and Diseases
Flowering kale is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be susceptible to aphids, cabbage worms, and fungal diseases.
- Aphids: Use insecticidal soap or a strong jet of water to dislodge aphids.
- Cabbage Worms: Handpick caterpillars or use row covers to protect your plants.
- Fungal Diseases: Ensure good air circulation around plants and avoid overwatering to prevent fungal diseases.
Harvesting and Enjoying Your Flowering Kale
Flowering kale is ready to harvest about 60-80 days after sowing. Harvest the leaves as needed, cutting them at the base of the plant.
While the leaves can be enjoyed in salads and other dishes, they are best used when young and tender. Older leaves can become tough and bitter.
A Lasting Display: Extending the Beauty of Flowering Kale
Flowering kale is a cool-season plant, so it will thrive in cooler temperatures. To extend its beauty, you can:
- Plant in Succession: Plant new seeds every few weeks to ensure a continuous display of color throughout the fall and winter.
- Mulch: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plants to help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
- Winter Protection: In colder regions, protect flowering kale from frost by covering it with a frost blanket or row cover.
Beyond the Garden: Creative Uses for Flowering Kale
Flowering kale’s vibrant colors and unique textures make it a popular choice for:
- Floral Arrangements: Use individual leaves or whole rosettes to add a touch of whimsy and texture to bouquets.
- Wreaths and Garlands: Create festive decorations for the holidays by incorporating flowering kale into wreaths and garlands.
- Table Centerpieces: Arrange flowering kale rosettes in a vase or bowl for a striking and colorful centerpiece.
A Kaleidoscopic Conclusion: A Garden Delight for All Seasons
Growing flowering kale from seed is a rewarding experience that brings a burst of color and texture to your garden. From its stunning visual appeal to its versatility and ease of care, flowering kale is a fantastic choice for beginner and experienced gardeners alike. So, why not give it a try and enjoy the beauty of this unique and delicious plant?
Answers to Your Questions
1. When is the best time to sow flowering kale seeds?
The best time to sow flowering kale seeds is 6-8 weeks before the last frost date in your area. This allows the seedlings to develop strong roots and foliage before being transplanted outdoors.
2. How do I know if my flowering kale seeds are viable?
To test the viability of your seeds, you can perform a simple germination test. Place a few seeds on a damp paper towel, fold the towel in half, and place it in a plastic bag. Keep the bag in a warm location, and check the seeds daily for signs of germination.
3. What should I do if my flowering kale plants are not producing flowers?
Flowering kale typically produces flowers in the fall and winter months. If your plants are not flowering, it could be due to insufficient light, lack of nutrients, or warm temperatures. Ensure your plants are receiving at least 4-6 hours of sunlight per day, fertilize them regularly, and protect them from extreme heat.
4. Can I grow flowering kale in containers?
Yes, flowering kale can be grown successfully in containers. Choose a container that is at least 12 inches in diameter and has drainage holes. Fill the container with a well-draining potting mix and plant your seedlings according to the spacing recommendations.
5. Is flowering kale edible?
Yes, flowering kale is edible. The leaves can be enjoyed in salads, stir-fries, or as a colorful garnish. However, older leaves can become tough and bitter, so it’s best to harvest them when young and tender.
