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.

Ornamental Kale is classified as Hardy.

Brassica oleracea var. acephala

Hardy Cool Season

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.

Sow seeds

Germination ~7d

Flowering ~70d

Sow seeds

Germination ~7d

Flowering ~70d

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.

Companion Planting

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Growing Conditions

Min. soil temperature: 10°C+

Germination temperature: 15–20°C

Get a personalized schedule for Ornamental Kale based on your exact frost dates

Space 30 cm apart for bedding displays. Excellent for autumn and winter containers where summer bedding has finished.

Feeding: Feed with a balanced liquid fertiliser fortnightly during establishment. Once colours develop, reduce feeding — excess nitrogen keeps leaves green.
Watch for: Cabbage white butterfly caterpillars
Aphids
Slugs on young plants
Pigeons

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.

Plan Ornamental Kale in your garden — get personalized frost-date scheduling