How to Grow Pastelle
Pastelle
Brassica oleracea var. acephala
vegetablePastelle is a modern kale variety with deeply frilly, curly leaves that are tender and sweet with a mild flavor. It combines the nutritional powerhouse of kale with improved palatability and a beautiful ornamental appearance. This cool-season brassica is excellent for both culinary use and decorative garden displays.
When should you plant Pastelle in your zone?
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Example Pastelle timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Pastelle
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 Pastelle
Around Jun 6≈ 50 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Pastelle dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 2-10; thrives as a cool-season crop in spring and fall, or winter in mild climates
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Get my Pastelle timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
10-14 daysTiny plants with 2-4 true leaves emerging from cotyledons; delicate appearance with thin stems
Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Provide bright light (12+ hours) indoors if starting seed. Thin seedlings to prevent crowding and fungal issues.
Vegetative Growth
20-30 days (indoors or after transplanting)Rapid leaf development with characteristic frilly, curly texture becoming apparent; plant expands outward with increasingly large leaves
Maintain consistent moisture and fertility. Begin hardening off transplants 7-10 days before planting outdoors. Side-dress with compost or balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks.
Leaf Development & Expansion
25-35 daysFull plant structure established with 12+ deeply frilled leaves forming dense rosette; leaves reach full size and vibrant color
Monitor for pests weekly. Water deeply at soil level. Mulch around base to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Remove yellowing lower leaves to improve air circulation.
Prime Harvest Readiness
15-30 days (or longer with continuous harvesting)Plant reaches full maturity with tender, sweet leaves at peak nutritional content and optimal texture. Leaves are large but still tender, with vibrant color and frilly form.
Begin harvesting outer leaves to encourage continued production. Keep harvesting regularly to prevent plant from bolting in warm weather. Continue watering and light fertilizing.
Post-Harvest & Extended Production
30-60 days (extends with cool weather)Plant continues producing new leaves from center after repeated harvesting, maintaining tender growth even as some leaves age
Harvest from bottom to top, removing outer leaves first. This promotes continued central growth. Cold temperatures increase sweetness. Plants tolerate light frost; flavor improves after light frost.
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; encourage parasitic wasps
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Spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil or insecticidal soap; introduce ladybugs and lacewings
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Use row covers; diatomaceous earth on leaves; kaolin clay spray; trap crops with mustard varieties
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Yellow sticky traps; strong water spray; neem oil; reflective mulches
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Practice crop rotation (3-year minimum); improve soil drainage; lime acidic soils; remove infected plants immediately
Uses
Fresh Salads & Raw Preparation
CulinaryPastelle's tender leaves and mild, sweet flavor make it excellent for fresh salads and raw kale dishes where a less bitter variety is preferred. The frilly texture adds visual appeal and pleasant mouthfeel to salads. [source]
Cooked Dishes & Sautés
CulinaryExcellent for sautéing, steaming, or adding to soups and stews. The tender leaves cook down quickly and become very palatable compared to more robust kale varieties. [source]
Nutritional Powerhouse & Antioxidants
MedicinalLike all kales, Pastelle is exceptionally high in vitamins A, C, K, and contain glucosinolates and polyphenols with potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. [source]
Garden Ornamentation & Landscape Use
HouseholdThe highly decorative, frilly foliage makes Pastelle suitable for ornamental garden displays and potted arrangements. It adds texture and visual interest to mixed beds. [source]
Pollinator & Beneficial Insect Support
WildlifeIf allowed to bolt, Pastelle kale produces attractive yellow flowers that attract bees and beneficial insects. The plant also supports parasitic wasps and other pest predators. [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 when leaves are 4-6 inches long and tender, typically 50-70 days after transplanting. Pinch or cut outer leaves from the bottom of the plant upward, leaving the central growing point intact. This encourages continuous production and maintains tenderness. Harvest in the morning after dew dries for best flavor and crispness. Plants produce longer in cool weather; frost improves sweetness. Mature plants can provide 2-3 months of continuous harvesting with proper technique.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Pastelle kale was specifically bred for tenderness and sweet flavor, making it one of the most palatable kale varieties for those who find traditional kale too bitter or tough.
- 🌱 The frilly leaves of Pastelle aren't just for looks—the increased surface area means more nutritional compounds per bite and quicker cooking times compared to flat-leafed varieties.
- 🌱 Kale becomes sweeter after exposure to frost, as the plant converts starches to sugars as an anti-freeze mechanism; Pastelle grown in cool fall weather or after light frosts will be noticeably sweeter than spring-grown plants.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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