How to Grow Cabaret Burgundy
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Cabaret Burgundy
Brassica oleracea var. acephala
vegetableCabaret Burgundy is a ornamental kale variety with deeply ruffled, burgundy-purple leaves that form an attractive rosette. It is both decorative and edible, offering stunning visual appeal in gardens while providing nutritious greens for cooking or raw consumption. This cold-hardy brassica thrives in cooler seasons and becomes sweeter after frost.
When should you plant Cabaret Burgundy in your zone?
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Example Cabaret Burgundy timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Cabaret Burgundy
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Cabaret Burgundy
Around Jun 11≈ 55 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Cabaret Burgundy dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9; best in zones 4-8 with cool fall and winter temperatures
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Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny plants with 2-4 true leaves emerge. Leaves are green with slight purple tinting.
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light and good air circulation. Thin or transplant to proper spacing at 2-3 weeks.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlant develops its characteristic ruffled foliage and deepens in purple color. A sturdy central stem forms with leaves radiating outward.
Water regularly, maintaining consistent soil moisture. Apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Thin mulch around base to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Rosette Formation
2-3 weeksThe plant forms a dense, compact rosette of deeply frilled burgundy-purple leaves, creating maximum ornamental appeal.
Continue consistent watering and fertilizing. Monitor for pests and diseases. Cooler temperatures intensify the purple color and improve flavor.
Color Development & Maturity
2-3 weeks until harvest-readyLeaves deepen to rich burgundy-purple, especially after frost exposure. Plant reaches full size and maximum ornamental and culinary quality.
Light frost improves sweetness and color intensity. Can continue harvesting outer leaves while plant grows. Stop heavy fertilizing.
Harvest & Production
4-8 weeks of continuous harvestPlant reaches full maturity with optimal color and flavor. Outer leaves can be continuously harvested while inner growth continues.
Harvest outer leaves regularly to encourage continued production. Plants can produce for several months in cool weather. Remove any yellowed or damaged leaves.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Use row covers over young plants, hand-pick caterpillars, apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), spray neem oil
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Strong water spray to dislodge, insecticidal soap, neem oil, encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs
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Use row covers on young plants, diatomaceous earth, neem oil sprays, reflective mulches
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Yellow sticky traps, neem oil, insecticidal soap, reflective mulches
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Maintain soil pH above 6.5, improve drainage, practice crop rotation (3-year minimum), remove infected plants
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Use disease-free seeds, avoid overhead watering, remove infected leaves, practice crop rotation
Uses
Nutritious Leafy Green
CulinaryCabaret Burgundy kale is highly nutritious raw or cooked, rich in vitamins A, C, and K. The tender ruffled leaves can be used in salads, sautéed as a side dish, added to soups, or blended into smoothies. [source]
Improved Flavor After Frost
CulinaryExposure to cold temperatures converts starches to sugars, making the leaves sweeter and more tender. This makes late-season Cabaret Burgundy superior for cooking and eating raw. [source]
Ornamental Garden Display
HouseholdThe striking burgundy-purple deeply ruffled foliage makes Cabaret Burgundy an attractive landscaping plant suitable for decorative borders, containers, and mixed plantings. It adds visual interest while providing food. [source]
Antioxidant & Anti-inflammatory
MedicinalKale contains powerful antioxidants and compounds with anti-inflammatory properties, supporting overall health and potentially reducing chronic disease risk. High in lutein and zeaxanthin for eye health. [source]
Pollinator & Beneficial Insect Support
WildlifeIf allowed to flower, Cabaret Burgundy produces nectar-rich blooms that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. The foliage also provides shelter and food for beneficial insects. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest when plant reaches desired size, typically 55-70 days after planting. Pick outer leaves first, working toward the center, to encourage continued production from inner leaves. Leaves are best harvested in morning after dew dries. Can harvest individual leaves or cut entire rosette at the base. Flavor improves significantly after light frost (28-32°F). Use sharp scissors or pruning shears to avoid damaging remaining foliage. Plants tolerate multiple harvests over 4-8 weeks in cool season.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Cabaret Burgundy's deep purple color is due to anthocyanin pigments, the same compounds that give blueberries and red wine their color—these pigments provide potent antioxidant benefits.
- 🌱 Kale is one of the most cold-hardy vegetables and can survive temperatures well below 0°F; it actually tastes better after frost as plant cells produce sugars as a natural antifreeze.
- 🌱 A single mature Cabaret Burgundy plant can produce continuous harvests of leaves for 2-3 months or longer in cool climates, making it one of the longest-producing cool-season crops.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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