Flowering Kale

Scientific Name: Brassica oleracea var. acephala

Common Name: Flowering Kale

Exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Blooming Time: September to November

Bloom Duration: 2 to 3 months

Fragrance: No noticeable fragrance

Plant Growing Habit: Upright, compact, rosette-forming

Characteristics: Grown primarily for its colourful ornamental foliage rather than its flowers. Forms large rosettes with ruffled or deeply lobed outer leaves and contrasting centres in shades of white, pink, purple, rose, and red. Colour becomes more intense as temperatures cool, making it an excellent choice for autumn containers, borders, garden beds, and seasonal displays. Tolerates light frost and provides attractive colour late into the season.

Spacing: 30 to 45 cm apart

Height: 20 to 30 cm

Width: 30 to 45 cm

Maintenance Requirements: Low maintenance. Prefers fertile, well-drained soil and regular moisture, particularly during warm weather. Full sun encourages the best colour development, although partial shade is tolerated. Remove damaged or yellowing outer leaves as needed. Regular fertilization is generally unnecessary when planted in fertile soil. Flowering kale is best treated as a cool-season annual in most Canadian gardens and typically performs best during the cooler temperatures of autumn.