How to Grow Flowering Kale
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Flowering Kale
Brassica oleracea var. acephala
vegetableFlowering kale is a cool-season brassica prized for its ornamental, ruffled foliage that develops vibrant colors in shades of purple, pink, white, and green in cooler temperatures. While technically edible, it is primarily grown for decorative purposes in gardens and landscapes, though the tender inner leaves are milder and more palatable than storage kales. The plant forms a loose head or rosette of deeply lobed leaves and can reach 12-24 inches tall depending on variety.
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Example Flowering Kale timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Flowering 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 Flowering Kale
Around Jun 11≈ 55 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Flowering Kale dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9; colors develop best in zones 5-8 with cool fall temperatures
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Seedling
3-4 weeksSmall plants with 2-4 true leaves; cotyledons present. Growth is slow initially.
Keep soil consistently moist. Provide bright light to prevent leggy growth. Thin seedlings to proper spacing or transplant at 3-4 weeks.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksPlant develops more true leaves and begins to form the characteristic lobed, deeply frilled foliage. Rosette expands outward.
Water regularly, maintain consistent moisture. Apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Remove any damaged outer leaves. Mulch around base.
Rosette Development
3-4 weeksFull rosette forms with densely packed ruffled leaves. Plant reaches near-mature size and structure becomes more ornamental.
Continue regular watering and feeding. Watch for cabbage worms and other pests. Color development begins in cooler weather.
Color Development
2-6 weeks depending on temperatureIn fall and winter, cool temperatures trigger pigment development. Colors shift to vibrant purples, pinks, whites, and deeper greens throughout the foliage.
Reduce nitrogen fertilizer to encourage color intensity. Maintain consistent watering. Colors are most vivid after light frosts but before hard freezes. Remove yellowed outer leaves.
Peak Ornamental
4-12 weeks (winter through early spring in cool climates)Plant is at maximum color saturation and visual impact. Leaves remain tender for consumption. Plant will survive light frosts.
Harvest outer leaves for cooking if desired. In spring, may bolt and flower (small yellow flowers on tall spikes). Remove bolting plants or enjoy flowers.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Use row covers on young plants. Hand-pick caterpillars. Apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray. Use neem oil. Encourage parasitic wasps.
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Use row covers over seedlings. Dust with food-grade diatomaceous earth. Apply kaolin clay spray. Use neem oil.
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Hand-pick caterpillars. Apply Bt spray. Use spinosad spray. Encourage beneficial insects.
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Strong water spray to dislodge. Spray with insecticidal soap. Use neem oil. Introduce ladybugs and lacewings.
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Use yellow sticky traps. Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Improve air circulation. Remove heavily infested leaves.
Uses
Mild Greens
CulinaryThe tender inner leaves and young growth can be eaten raw in salads or lightly cooked. They are milder and less bitter than mature kale varieties, making them more palatable to some tastes. Best harvested young for tenderness. [source]
Ornamental Landscaping
HouseholdFlowering kale is prized as decorative foliage for fall and winter gardens, container plantings, and landscape designs. Its vibrant colors and architectural form provide visual interest when many other plants have faded. Often used in seasonal displays and patio containers. [source]
Cut Arrangements and Floral Design
CraftFlowering kale heads make striking additions to fall and winter floral arrangements, wreaths, and dried decorative displays. The ruffled leaves and rich colors complement autumn and holiday arrangements. Can be dried for long-lasting crafts. [source]
Beneficial Insect Support
WildlifeIf allowed to bolt, flowering kale produces small yellow flowers that attract pollinators and beneficial insects including bees and parasitic wasps that control garden pests. It serves as a valuable bridge crop for wildlife during cool seasons. [source]
Nutritional and Phytonutrient Source
MedicinalLike other kales, flowering kale contains glucosinolates, vitamins C and K, and beneficial phytochemicals. The tender leaves provide nutritional benefits similar to culinary kale varieties, supporting general wellness when consumed. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Flowering kale is grown primarily for ornamental display and can be left in the garden throughout fall and winter for color. For consumption, harvest outer leaves when tender (typically 6-8 weeks after planting), working from bottom to top. Harvest in the morning after dew dries for best flavor and texture. Cut leaves about 2 inches from the stem. Inner, younger leaves are milder and more palatable than outer ones. Colors are most vibrant after light frosts. Plants tolerate temperatures to 10°F (-12°C). For cut arrangements, harvest entire heads just before peak color and place stems in water.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Flowering kale colors intensify after light frosts; the plant redirects sugars to the leaves as an antifreeze mechanism, which simultaneously enhances pigmentation and sweetens the flavor slightly.
- 🌱 Flowering kale is the same species as cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower (Brassica oleracea), but was bred for ornamental foliage rather than a compact head, demonstrating the remarkable diversity possible within a single plant species through selective cultivation.
- 🌱 The plant can survive temperatures as low as 10°F (-12°C) and remains ornamentally vibrant throughout winter in many zones, making it one of the hardiest and longest-performing seasonal ornamentals for cool-climate gardens.
Gardening Terms
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