Brassica oleracea Acephala Group
kale
This is a cultivated group of wild cabbage plant, from which many of our kale plants have been bred. It has large, waxy green leaves very often with purple veins and margins. They have wavy to deeply serrated edges and a smooth or very bubbly surface, depending on cultivar. If left to flower, they will be yellow, becoming long seed pods. All parts are edible when young
Other common names
borecolecollard
see moredecorative kale
flowering cabbage
flowering kale
Jersey longjacks cabbage
Scotch kale
walking stick cabbage
colewort
Synonyms
Brassica acephala hort.Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Yellow | Green Purple | ||
Autumn | Yellow | Green Purple | Green | |
Winter | Green Purple |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Brassicaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Brassicas can be annual, biennial or perennial plants, most are upright with alternate, often glaucous leaves, long taproots and clusters of cross-shaped, yellow or white flowers. The genus includes a number of species bred to produce food crops, such as cabbages, turnips, mustards and oilseed rape, as well as others grown for their ornamental value
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Sow seed outdoors in deep, fertile but firm, soil that isn't too acidic. If space is limited, start the seeds in modules or seedtrays and plant outside when big enough to handle easily (about 5 or 6 leaves). Watering through the summer months is very important. For more advice see kale cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to flea beetle which can prevent seedlings from thriving and attacked by caterpillars when eggs laid by butterflies, hatch and feed. It is very popular food for pigeons which only netting can prevent. It is also eaten by snails, although once plants are established, this damage isn't usually severe. The cabbage root fly can cause failure to thrive and a heavy infestation of mealy cabbage aphid can spoil the harvest
Diseases
May be susceptible to brassica downy mildew and brassica white blister. In areas where brassicas have been grown before, club root can build up in the soil
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.