How to Grow Ornamental Kale
Brassica oleracea var. acephala
Ornamental kale is a hardy annual grown for its spectacular coloured rosettes in autumn and winter. Sow in mid-summer, transplant to final positions in early autumn. Colours develop only when temperatures drop below 10°C — the colder it gets, the more vivid the pinks, purples, and whites become. Extremely frost-hardy. Perfect for filling gaps left by summer bedding. Remove in spring when plants bolt.
When to Start
Direct sow outdoors as soon as soil reaches 10°C — typically early to mid spring. Can also be started indoors 6 weeks earlier for a head start.
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Growth Stages
Approximate days from start
Care Essentials
- Feed with a balanced liquid fertiliser fortnightly during establishment. Once colours develop, reduce feeding — excess nitrogen keeps leaves green.
- Ornamental kale develops its spectacular colours (pink, purple, white, cream) only when temperatures drop below 10°C. Sow in summer for autumn/winter display. Extremely frost-hardy — colours intensify with cold. Not typically eaten though technically edible. Replace in spring when plants bolt.
Growing Conditions
- Min. soil temperature
- 10°C+
- Germination temperature
- 15–20°C
- Sow indoors
- —
- Transplant out
- —
- First harvest
- —
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Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 30 cm |
| Row spacing | 40 cm |
| Sow depth | 1 cm |
| Mature height | 45 cm |
| Mature spread | 45 cm |
Space 30 cm apart for bedding displays. Excellent for autumn and winter containers where summer bedding has finished.
Growing Conditions
| Min. soil temperature | 10°C |
| Germination temperature | 15–20°C |
| Base growth temperature | 5°C |
| Min. daylength to start | 8h |
| Photoperiod sensitivity | day neutral |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How far apart should I plant Ornamental Kale?
- Plant Ornamental Kale 30cm apart with 40cm between rows.
- When does Ornamental Kale flower?
- Ornamental Kale typically flowers approximately 60 days after transplanting.
- Is Ornamental Kale frost hardy?
- Ornamental Kale is classified as Hardy.
