How to Grow Rama
Rama
Brassica oleracea var. acephala
vegetableRama is a leafy kale variety prized for its tender, deeply lobed dark green leaves and mild flavor. It grows as a non-heading brassica that produces abundant foliage suitable for fresh eating, cooking, and nutrient-dense smoothies. This cold-hardy cultivar is popular in both home gardens and commercial production.
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Example Rama timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Rama
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 Rama
Around Jun 6≈ 50 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Rama dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9; prefers cooler seasons
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Get my Rama timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksSmall cotyledons emerge, followed by first true leaves with characteristic kale texture
Keep soil consistently moist; provide bright light to prevent leggy growth; thin to proper spacing when 2-3 inches tall
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlant develops robust rosette of lobed, dark green leaves; stems thicken and plant expands outward
Water regularly, provide steady nitrogen fertilization every 3-4 weeks; mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature
Leaf Development & Maturation
3-4 weeksLeaves become deeply frilly and reach full size; plant is bushy and vigorous with dense foliage
Continue consistent watering and feeding; pinch off any flower buds if extending harvest; monitor for pests
Harvest & Extended Production
4-8+ weeksOuter leaves are ready to pick; plant can continue producing new leaves from the center for weeks or months
Harvest outer leaves first to encourage continued growth; cold weather improves sweetness; remove any yellowed or damaged foliage
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Row covers until flowering; hand-pick caterpillars; Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray; neem oil
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Hand-pick; apply Bt spray; encourage parasitic wasps; row covers early season
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Row covers when seedlings are young; diatomaceous earth; kaolin clay 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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Yellow sticky traps; insecticidal soap; neem oil; reflective mulch
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Crop rotation (3-4 years); maintain pH above 6.0; improve drainage; remove infected plants
Uses
Raw salads and smoothies
CulinaryYoung, tender Rama leaves work well in fresh salads and nutrient-dense green smoothies due to their mild flavor and thin texture compared to other kale varieties. [source]
Cooked greens and sautés
CulinaryRama's leaves wilt beautifully when sautéed with garlic and olive oil, steamed, or added to soups, stir-fries, and curries for a nutritious green vegetable dish. [source]
Nutritional powerhouse
MedicinalRama kale is rich in vitamins K, A, and C, calcium, iron, and glucosinolates—compounds studied for their anti-inflammatory and cancer-preventive properties. [source]
Juice and wellness
HouseholdFresh kale juice made from Rama leaves is popular in health-focused diets and can be blended with fruits for palatability while retaining nutritional benefits. [source]
Pollinator and beneficial insect habitat
WildlifeIf allowed to flower, Rama produces attractive yellow blooms that attract bees and other pollinators, supporting garden biodiversity. [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 plant is 8-10 inches tall, typically 50-75 days after planting. Pinch or cut leaves from the bottom outward, leaving the center crown intact for continued production. Morning harvest yields the crispest leaves. Can be harvested continuously for months, especially in cool weather. Young, tender leaves are milder; mature leaves have stronger flavor. Frost improves sweetness and tenderness.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Rama kale is particularly cold-hardy and becomes sweeter after frost, as the plant converts starches to sugars as a natural antifreeze mechanism.
- 🌱 Kale is one of the most nutrient-dense vegetables available, with a single serving providing more than 100% of the daily recommended value of vitamins K and A.
- 🌱 The name 'kale' comes from the Scots word 'kail,' and this vegetable has been cultivated in Northern Europe for over 2,000 years, predating most modern cabbage varieties.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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