How to Grow Ronde
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Ronde
Brassica oleracea var. acephala
vegetableRonde is a distinctive Dutch variety of kale featuring small, tender, ball-shaped heads about the size of Brussels sprouts. It combines the nutritional benefits of kale with a milder, sweeter flavor and tender texture that makes it appealing raw or cooked. This heirloom variety is prized for its ornamental appearance and excellent culinary versatility.
When should you plant Ronde in your zone?
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Example Ronde timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Ronde
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 Ronde
Around Jun 6≈ 50 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Ronde dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9; prefers cooler seasons (spring and fall)
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Seedling
3-4 weeksSmall green cotyledons emerge within 7-10 days; true leaves develop slowly.
Keep soil moist under grow lights or bright windowsill. Thin seedlings to prevent damping off. Maintain 65-70°F for best germination.
Transplant
1-2 weeks4-6 true leaves present; seedlings are 3-4 inches tall and ready for hardening off and field planting.
Gradually expose to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days. Plant in cool spring (March-April) or mid-summer (July-August) for fall/winter harvest. Space 12-18 inches apart.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksRosette of deeply lobed, textured blue-green leaves expands; plant develops robust root system and sturdy stem.
Water consistently, maintain even soil moisture. Apply mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Side-dress with compost at 4-6 weeks. Watch for pests and disease.
Head Formation
2-3 weeksPlant begins producing the characteristic small, dense, ball-shaped heads in the leaf axils (between leaves and stem).
Continue consistent watering and fertilizing with balanced or nitrogen-rich fertilizer. Remove lower yellowing leaves to improve air circulation. Heads typically form along the central stem.
Harvest
4-8 weeks of continuous harvestHeads reach 1-3 inches in diameter and become tender. Plants continue producing new heads over several weeks.
Harvest individual heads when firm and tender by snapping or cutting at the base. Remove upper leaves as needed to access heads. Regular harvesting encourages continued production. Flavor improves after light frost.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Use fine netting or row covers; Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) spray; hand-pick; encourage beneficial parasitic wasps
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Bt spray; row covers; hand-pick caterpillars; encourage natural predators
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Row covers on young plants; neem oil; diatomaceous earth; trap crops like radishes nearby
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Strong water spray; insecticidal soap; neem oil; encourage ladybugs and lacewings
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Soil pH above 7.0 reduces severity; avoid planting brassicas in infected soil; choose resistant varieties; practice crop rotation (3-4 years)
Uses
Raw and Cooked Preparations
CulinaryRonde kale is tender enough to eat raw in salads while retaining the nutritional benefits of kale, and can be roasted, sautéed, steamed, or braised. The small ball-shaped heads are attractive in dishes and cook quickly due to their size. [source]
Tender Alternative to Regular Kale
CulinaryRonde offers a milder, sweeter flavor than curly or Lacinato kale, making it appealing to those who find standard kale too bitter or tough. Its tender leaves require less cooking time. [source]
Nutritional & Health Benefits
MedicinalLike all kale varieties, Ronde is rich in vitamins K, A, C, calcium, and antioxidants including glucosinolates, which have been studied for potential anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties. [source]
Ornamental Garden Feature
HouseholdThe striking blue-green rosette with small spherical heads makes Ronde an attractive ornamental vegetable for decorative beds and containers, combining beauty with productivity. [source]
Pollinator and Beneficial Insect Support
WildlifeIf allowed to flower (after harvest or in spring), Ronde produces attractive yellow flowers that attract pollinators and support beneficial insects; the plant is part of the Brassica family which supports diverse garden ecology. [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 heads reach 1-1.5 inches in diameter and feel firm. Snap or cut individual heads at the base using a sharp knife. Harvest from bottom to top as heads mature. Regular harvesting promotes continued production of new heads for up to 8 weeks. Flavor is sweetest after a light frost (around 28-32°F). Can be harvested over an extended period rather than all at once, providing continuous fresh vegetables.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Ronde is a Dutch heirloom variety dating back to the 1970s, specifically developed to produce small, tender ball-shaped heads that are more tender and mild than traditional kale varieties.
- 🌱 The plant produces heads continuously along the stem for many weeks, essentially functioning as a cut-and-come-again crop, providing multiple harvests from a single plant throughout the season.
- 🌱 Ronde kale's flavor actually becomes noticeably sweeter after exposure to frost, as the plant converts starches to sugars as a natural antifreeze mechanism—making fall-grown Ronde superior in taste to spring-grown plants.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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