Arguably the most beautiful kale population, these seeds produce various colors and types of wavy leaf edges. Some leaves are glazed green, others silvery and light green, and others have purple stems with shades of red. This variety is a beast in the garden and super easy to strip from the stem when used in the kitchen. Use of drip irrigation or other automated waterin systems is recommended. Water stress will result in hardened growth and yellowing and dropping of lower leaves. Insect and disease problems. Korus, Anna; Lisiewska, Zofia (2011). "Effect of preliminary processing and method of preservation on the content of selected antioxidative compounds in kale ( Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala) leaves". Food Chemistry. 129 (1): 149–154. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2011.04.048.

Gray, R.; Rogers, R. (2013). The River Cafe Cookbook. Ebury Publishing. p.pt80. ISBN 978-1-4464-6035-1 . Retrieved 2 April 2017. Portuguese kale has tender, sweet leaves that are increasingly popular in stir-fries and soups. Typically, the kale often grows up to 2 feet tall. Although it is cold hardy like other kale varieties, it is more heat tolerant than other types of kale. The ‘Color Up’ series has cabbage types with upright, columnar growth habits and green leaves with colored centers in white, blush pink or fuchsia. In Northern Germany, there is a winter tradition known as " Kohlfahrt" ("kale trip"), where a group of people will go on a hike through the woods during the day before gathering at an inn or private residence where kale is served, usually with bacon and Kohlwurst ("kale sausage"). [27] Kale is considered a Northern German staple and comfort food. [28] Ornamental cabbage (shown in the middle) has flat, smooth leaves while ornamental kale has frilly fringed leaves. Growing From SeedsKale ( / k eɪ l/), also called leaf cabbage, belongs to a group of cabbage ( Brassica oleracea) cultivars grown for their edible leaves, although some are used as ornamentals. Kale plants have green or purple leaves, and the central leaves do not form a head (as with headed cabbage). Kales are considered to be closer to wild cabbage than most of the many domesticated forms of Brassica oleracea. [1] It is derived from wild mustard. [2] Etymology [ edit ] As is the case with ‘ Lacinato,’‘ Russian Red,’ curly-leafed, and other culinary varieties, the ornamental variety is also a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium and various antioxidants. Ornamental cabbage and kale need around 1 inch of rainwater or hand watering each week. Wait until the top of the soil is dry to touch before watering. Plants in containers and pots will likely need watering more often than those planted in the ground. Fertilizing Ornamental kale is liked by gardeners who want to add some color to their fall and winter gardens and containers, as it grows well in cooler weather. In fact, the colors become their most vibrant once night temperatures start dropping below 60°F. However, these colors will start to fade once nighttime temperatures start dropping to 20°F and colder. Since ornamental kale is a cool weather crop, it needs to have nighttime temperatures at or below 60º Fahrenheit (15º Celcius). In fact, the cooler the weather, the more beautiful and intense their fall colors will start to be. Ornamental kale can actually survive frost and temperatures down to 5º Fahrenheit (-15º Celcius).

As your transplant becomes established, they will start to fill out and the color will become more vibrant. Planting Transplants

Just begin Ornamental Brassica seeds indoors, masking the flower seeds very lightly. Ornamental Cabbage seeds germinate rapidly and the younger plant life can be transplanted. Ornamental Cabbage plant life will begin out green, and with time, they will commence to strengthen color. About 12 weeks after sowing the Ornamental Cabbage seeds, there will be a flawlessly round, colourful rosette 10 inches excessive and 12 inches wide. These cabbages achieve coloration rapidly and are late to bolt. Ornamental Cabbage Propagation fromDivisionOrnamental Cabbage Division Propagation will assist keep the exceptionally textured and colourful foliage of decorative cabbage. Bolting is solely one risk to their correct looks. The outer leaves of decorative cabbage heads are the oldest and the most uncovered to the elements, so they generally exhibit put on and tear greater rapidly than the relaxation of the Ornamental Cabbage. The University of Florida IFAS Extension recommends pruning away the outer leaves as they flip yellow, which will hold the coloration and look of the decorative cabbage heads greater uniform. The procedure is speedy and easy to do, however it requires precision due to the fact you don't choose to by accident snip the internal leaves.