What To Know
- Its vibrant, ruffled leaves come in a dazzling array of colors, adding a splash of brilliance to your landscape just as other plants are fading.
- This variety boasts deep red leaves with a ruffled texture, creating a dramatic statement in your garden.
- Gradually acclimate them to outdoor conditions by placing them in a sheltered spot for a few hours each day, increasing the time over a week.
Ornamental kale, also known as flowering kale or kaleidoscope kale, is a stunning addition to any fall garden. Its vibrant, ruffled leaves come in a dazzling array of colors, adding a splash of brilliance to your landscape just as other plants are fading. But how to grow ornamental kale? It’s surprisingly easy! This guide will walk you through the process, from choosing the right varieties to harvesting and enjoying your colorful kale display.
Choosing the Right Ornamental Kale Varieties
The first step to growing ornamental kale is selecting the right varieties. With a vast range of colors, shapes, and sizes, you’ll find the perfect fit for your garden. Here are some popular choices:
- ‘Redbor’: This variety boasts deep red leaves with a ruffled texture, creating a dramatic statement in your garden.
- ‘Peacock’: ‘Peacock’ kale features a mix of green, white, and pink leaves, resembling a peacock’s plumage.
- ‘Winterbor’: This variety is known for its compact size and vibrant colors, making it ideal for containers or small gardens.
- ‘Nero’: ‘Nero’ stands out with its deep purple leaves, adding a touch of mystery and elegance to your landscape.
- ‘Coral Sunset’: This variety offers a unique blend of coral, pink, and green hues, adding a warm glow to your garden.
Preparing Your Garden Bed
Like any other plant, ornamental kale thrives in well-prepared soil. Here’s how to get your garden bed ready:
1. Choose a sunny spot: Ornamental kale prefers full sun to partial shade. Aim for at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
2. Amend the soil: Ensure your soil is loose and well-draining. Amend it with compost or aged manure to improve fertility and structure.
3. Test the pH: Ornamental kale prefers a slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Use a soil testing kit to determine your soil’s pH and adjust it accordingly.
Sowing Ornamental Kale Seeds
You can start your ornamental kale from seed, either indoors or outdoors. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Starting Seeds Indoors:
1. Sow seeds 6-8 weeks before the last frost: This will give your seedlings a head start.
2. Use seed starting trays or pots: Fill them with seed starting mix.
3. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep: Space them 1-2 inches apart.
4. Water gently: Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
5. Provide light: Place the trays under grow lights or in a sunny window.
6. Thin seedlings: Once they have two true leaves, thin them out to the strongest seedling every 2-3 inches.
Direct Sowing:
1. Sow seeds after the last frost: This is typically in late spring or early summer, depending on your climate.
2. Prepare the soil: Loosen the soil and rake it smooth.
3. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep: Space them 12-18 inches apart.
4. Water generously: Keep the soil moist until germination.
Transplanting Ornamental Kale
Once your seedlings have grown a few inches tall, it’s time to transplant them into your garden bed or containers. Here’s how:
1. Harden off seedlings: Gradually acclimate them to outdoor conditions by placing them in a sheltered spot for a few hours each day, increasing the time over a week.
2. Dig planting holes: Space them 12-18 inches apart, depending on the variety.
3. Carefully remove seedlings: Gently loosen the seedlings from their pots and handle them by the leaves.
4. Place seedlings in holes: Make sure the root ball is level with the soil surface.
5. Water thoroughly: Give your newly transplanted kale a good soak.
Caring for Your Ornamental Kale
With proper care, your ornamental kale will thrive and create a stunning display. Here are some essential tips:
- Water regularly: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
- Fertilize monthly: Apply a balanced fertilizer to encourage healthy growth and vibrant colors.
- Mulch around plants: A layer of mulch helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Pinch off flower buds: While ornamental kale does produce flowers, pinching them off will encourage bushier growth and more vibrant foliage.
- Protect from pests: Keep an eye out for common garden pests like aphids and caterpillars. Use organic pest control methods if necessary.
Harvesting and Enjoying Your Ornamental Kale
While ornamental kale is primarily grown for its beauty, you can also harvest its leaves for culinary use. The leaves have a slightly bitter flavor and can be used in salads, stir-fries, or soups.
- Harvest leaves as needed: Cut off the outer leaves, leaving the inner leaves to continue growing.
- Enjoy the display: Ornamental kale typically lasts through fall and even into winter in milder climates.
Beyond the Garden: Using Ornamental Kale in Arrangements
Ornamental kale isn’t limited to your garden. Its vibrant colors and unique textures make it a stunning addition to fall floral arrangements. Here are some ideas:
- Create a centerpiece: Use a variety of ornamental kale varieties to create a colorful centerpiece for your dining table.
- Add a pop of color to bouquets: Combine ornamental kale with fall flowers like chrysanthemums and sunflowers for a vibrant and unique bouquet.
- Decorate your home: Place ornamental kale in vases or bowls to add a touch of fall color to your home decor.
A Vibrant Farewell: Celebrating the Beauty of Ornamental Kale
Ornamental kale is a true testament to the beauty and versatility of nature. Its vibrant colors, unique textures, and easy care make it a perfect choice for gardeners of all levels. From adding a splash of color to your garden to creating stunning floral arrangements, this beautiful plant offers endless possibilities. So, embrace the beauty of fall with the colorful charm of ornamental kale!
What People Want to Know
Q: Can I grow ornamental kale in containers?
A: Absolutely! Ornamental kale is well-suited for containers, making it a great option for balconies, patios, and smaller gardens. Choose a container that is at least 12 inches wide and deep to provide ample space for the roots to grow.
Q: How long does ornamental kale last?
A: Ornamental kale typically lasts through fall and even into winter in milder climates. In colder regions, it may survive until the first hard frost.
Q: Can I eat ornamental kale?
A: Yes, you can eat ornamental kale. It has a slightly bitter flavor and can be used in salads, stir-fries, or soups. However, it’s important to note that ornamental kale varieties may have been treated with pesticides, so it’s always best to wash the leaves thoroughly before eating them.
Q: What are the best companion plants for ornamental kale?
A: Ornamental kale pairs well with other fall-blooming plants, such as pansies, violas, and mums. It also complements grasses and ornamental cabbages.
