How to Grow Curled Burgundy Kale
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Curled Burgundy Kale
Brassica oleracea var. acephala
vegetableCurled Burgundy is a cold-hardy kale variety featuring deeply curled, dark burgundy-purple leaves with an earthy, slightly sweet flavor. It becomes sweeter after frost as starches convert to sugars, making it excellent for fall and winter harvests. This ornamental yet edible vegetable is packed with nutrients and grows as a loose-leaf plant without forming a head.
When should you plant Curled Burgundy Kale in your zone?
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Example Curled Burgundy Kale timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Curled Burgundy Kale
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 Curled Burgundy Kale
Around Jun 6≈ 50 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Curled Burgundy Kale dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-9; best in cool-season regions (spring and fall), extremely cold-hardy
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Get my Curled Burgundy Kale timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksSmall cotyledons emerge; plant develops 2-4 true leaves. Leaves are green with minimal curling.
Keep soil consistently moist; provide bright light to prevent leggy growth. Thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding.
Vegetative Growth
3-6 weeksTrue leaves develop with characteristic deep curls; burgundy coloration begins to show, especially at leaf edges. Plant grows 12-18 inches tall.
Maintain consistent moisture and fertilize with nitrogen-rich fertilizer every 3-4 weeks. Mulch around base to retain moisture and cool roots.
Leaf Development & Expansion
3-4 weeksOuter leaves fully mature and darken to deep burgundy-purple; inner leaves continue unfurling. Plant becomes fuller and more compact.
Begin harvesting outer leaves from bottom of plant once they reach desired size (4-6 inches). This encourages continued growth. Watch for pests.
Mature Harvest
4-8 weeks (until frost or bolting)Plant reaches full size with abundant curled, deeply pigmented burgundy leaves. After frost exposure, flavor sweetens and leaves become more tender.
Continue harvesting outer leaves regularly. In cold climates, plant can overwinter and produce new growth in spring. Minimize disturbance during freeze/thaw cycles.
Post-Frost/End of Season
Variable; extends season by 2-4 weeks in cold climatesFlavor peaks after freezing temperatures; leaves may appear slightly wilted but are at peak sweetness and nutritional content.
Harvest regularly to prevent bolting. Remove yellowed or damaged leaves. In mild climates, plant may survive winter; in cold zones, harvest before hard freezes.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Use floating row covers before butterflies lay eggs; introduce parasitic wasps; handpick caterpillars; apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) organic spray
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Row covers; Bt spray; neem oil; encourage natural predators like parasitic wasps and ladybugs
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Row covers on young plants; kaolin clay spray; neem oil; reflective mulches; diatomaceous earth
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Strong water spray to dislodge; insecticidal soap; neem oil; encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings
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Increase humidity; spray with water; neem oil; sulfur dust (avoid if temperature exceeds 85°F)
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Yellow sticky traps; insecticidal soap; neem oil; reflective mulch; encourage parasitic wasps
Uses
Nutritious Raw & Cooked Greens
CulinaryCurled Burgundy kale can be enjoyed raw in salads (especially when young and tender) or cooked through sautéing, steaming, or roasting. Its sweeter flavor after frost makes it ideal for winter cooking, and the leaves become tender when blanched. [source]
Smoothies & Juicing
CulinaryFresh leaves blend smoothly into protein smoothies and cold-pressed juices. The mild, slightly sweet flavor (especially after frost) pairs well with fruits like apple, pear, and banana. [source]
High in Glucosinolates & Antioxidants
MedicinalCurled Burgundy kale contains glucosinolates (compounds with potential anti-cancer properties), sulforaphane, and anthocyanins (the burgundy pigment, a powerful antioxidant). These compounds are enhanced in cold-grown kale. [source]
Ornamental Kitchen Garden Edging
HouseholdWith its striking burgundy curled leaves, this kale serves as an attractive ornamental border for vegetable gardens or in decorative planters, combining beauty with edibility. [source]
Pollinator & Beneficial Insect Support
WildlifeIf allowed to flower (yellow blooms in spring), Curled Burgundy kale attracts bees and other pollinators. The plant also supports beneficial insects like lacewings and parasitic wasps that control garden pests. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Begin harvesting outer leaves when they reach 4-6 inches long, typically 40-50 days after planting. Pinch or cut leaves at the base; removing outer leaves stimulates new growth in the center. For tender baby leaves, harvest at 3-4 inches. Plant continues producing for 2-4 months. Flavor improves dramatically after the first light frost (below 40°F) as starches convert to sugars. Harvest in the morning for crispest leaves. In cold climates, the entire plant can be harvested at once before hard freezes, or individual leaves can be picked throughout winter if temperatures don't drop below -10°F.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Curled Burgundy kale becomes sweeter after frost because freezing temperatures trigger the plant to convert starches into sugars as a natural antifreeze mechanism—this is why winter-harvested kale tastes noticeably better than fall-harvested varieties.
- 🌱 The burgundy-purple color comes from anthocyanins, the same powerful antioxidant pigments found in blueberries and red wine, making Curled Burgundy kale one of the most nutrient-dense vegetables in the garden.
- 🌱 Kale can survive temperatures well below freezing—in some cold climates, plants left unharvested in winter will regrow tender, sweet new leaves in early spring, essentially offering two harvests in a single year.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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