How to Grow Stellar
Wikimedia Commons
Stellar
Brassica oleracea var. acephala 'Stellar'
vegetableStellar is a modern hybrid kale cultivar known for its dense, deeply frilly blue-green leaves and excellent cold hardiness. This leafy green vegetable is prized for both its ornamental appeal and superior nutritional content, becoming sweeter after frost exposure.
When should you plant Stellar in your zone?
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Example Stellar timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Stellar
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 Stellar
Around Jun 6≈ 50 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Stellar dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-10; exceptionally cold-hardy, excellent for fall and winter harvests
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Get my Stellar timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksSmall cotyledons emerge, followed by first true leaves. Plant is delicate and tender.
Maintain consistent moisture and warmth (65-75°F). Provide bright light to prevent legginess. Thin seedlings to prevent crowding.
Vegetative
3-4 weeksPlant develops multiple true leaves and establishes a strong root system. Leaves begin showing characteristic frilly texture.
Reduce watering frequency but maintain consistent moisture. Begin light fertilization every 2 weeks with balanced fertilizer. Harden off transplants gradually before planting.
Establishment
3-4 weeksPlant grows rapidly after transplanting to garden; foliage becomes denser and more deeply textured. Height increases noticeably.
Water deeply and regularly. Apply 2-3 inches of mulch around base. Fertilize every 3 weeks with nitrogen-rich fertilizer. Monitor for pests.
Maturity & Leaf Development
4-8 weeks (or longer)Plant reaches full size with abundant densely-frilled blue-green leaves. Frost exposure increases sweetness through natural sugar concentration.
Continue regular watering and fertilization. Light harvest of outer leaves encourages continued production. Allow frost exposure to improve flavor.
Harvest
Ongoing until plant bolts or dies backOuter leaves are fully developed and ideal for harvesting. Plant continues producing new leaves from center.
Harvest outer leaves first, leaving inner growth intact for continued production. Pick leaves regularly to encourage bushiness. Can harvest continuously through winter.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Row covers over young plants; Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt); hand-picking; neem oil spray
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Row covers; diatomaceous earth; neem oil; kaolin clay; parasitic wasps
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Strong water spray; insecticidal soap; neem oil; ladybugs; lacewings
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Bt spray; row covers; hand-picking; parasitic wasps; neem oil
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Ensure air circulation; neem oil; sulfur spray; remove infected leaves; avoid overhead watering
Uses
Raw salads and nutritious greens
CulinaryStellar's tender leaves, when young, work well in fresh salads and green smoothies. The dense frilly texture adds visual appeal and substance to raw dishes. [source]
Cooking and chips
CulinaryMature leaves are excellent for sautéing, steaming, baking into crispy chips, and adding to soups and stews. Stellar's cold-sweetened leaves create superior-tasting cooked dishes. [source]
High-nutrient superfood
MedicinalStellar is exceptionally rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like calcium and iron. Contains glucosinolates with potential anti-cancer properties. [source]
Pollinator and beneficial insect support
WildlifeIf allowed to flower, kale produces abundant nectar and pollen attractive to bees and other pollinators. Also serves as a host plant for certain butterfly species. [source]
Garden ornament and visual interest
HouseholdStellar's deeply ruffled blue-green foliage is striking in ornamental vegetable gardens and edible landscapes. The dense, sculptural form provides year-round visual appeal. [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 12-18 inches tall, typically 50-65 days after transplanting. Pinch off outer leaves from bottom up, leaving inner growth intact. Harvest regularly to encourage bushier growth and tender new leaves. Stellar becomes sweeter after frost exposure (below 32°F), making fall and winter harvests superior in flavor. Can be harvested continuously through winter in mild climates. Peak flavor is often January-March in cool regions.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Stellar kale becomes noticeably sweeter after frost exposure because cold temperatures trigger the plant to convert starches into sugars as a natural antifreeze mechanism, making winter-harvested kale far superior in flavor to fall-harvested leaves.
- 🌱 Kale is one of the most nutrient-dense vegetables available, with a single cup of raw kale containing over 100% of the daily recommended value of vitamins A, C, and K, plus substantial amounts of calcium, iron, and antioxidants.
- 🌱 Stellar is a modern hybrid variety that combines the best traits of curly kale with improved vigor, pest resistance, and productive leaf yield, making it a superior choice to older open-pollinated kale varieties for home gardeners.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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