Ornamental Kale

Ornamental Kale: A Beautiful & Hardy Addition to Your Garden

If you're looking to add some vibrant color and texture to your garden as the weather cools, ornamental kale might be just the plant you need! With its rosette-like leaves in shades of purple, pink, green, and white, ornamental kale is an eye-catching choice that’s especially popular in fall and winter landscapes. Here’s everything you need to know about growing and caring for this beautiful, hardy plant.

What is Ornamental Kale?

Ornamental kale, also known as flowering kale, is a close relative of edible kale, but it’s been specifically bred for its stunning appearance rather than flavor. Unlike edible kale, which is often green or purple and has a bitter taste, ornamental kale varieties have larger, more colorful leaves that are less palatable. With their fringed, ruffled edges and vibrant colors, they can resemble flowers, adding interest to gardens and container arrangements throughout the cooler months.

Ornamental kale belongs to the Brassica oleracea species, which includes many other popular garden plants like broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts. However, while it’s technically edible, ornamental kale is mostly grown for aesthetic appeal and not taste.

Why Choose Ornamental Kale for Your Garden?

Ornamental kale is a great addition to any fall and winter garden. Here are a few reasons it’s worth adding to your landscape:

1. Vibrant Color During Cooler Months: As temperatures drop, ornamental kale’s colors become even more vivid, making it an ideal plant for fall and early winter gardens when other plants may start to fade.
2. Cold Tolerant: Ornamental kale thrives in cooler weather and can withstand temperatures as low as 5°F (-15°C). In many areas, it can survive frost and even light snow, making it perfect for extending the beauty of your garden well into winter.
3. Low Maintenance: Once established, ornamental kale is fairly low maintenance, requiring minimal watering and care. It’s a great choice for beginner gardeners or anyone looking for a simple way to add color and texture to their garden.

How to Plant Ornamental Kale

Planting ornamental kale is straightforward, and it can be done either from seeds or transplants. Here are some basic tips for getting started:

1. Choose the Right Location: Ornamental kale does best in full sun, though it can tolerate partial shade. Make sure to plant it in well-draining soil to prevent root rot, especially in wetter climates.

2. Timing: It’s best to plant ornamental kale in late summer or early fall so it can take advantage of cooler temperatures. If you’re planting from seeds, start them indoors about 6-8 weeks before the first expected frost date in your area. Transplants can go directly into the garden once temperatures cool down.

3. Spacing: Ornamental kale can grow quite large, so be sure to space plants about 12-18 inches apart to give them room to spread out and show off their beautiful leaves.

4. Watering: While ornamental kale is relatively low-maintenance, it does need consistent watering, especially during hot, dry periods. Water deeply once a week to keep the soil moist but not soggy.

Caring for Ornamental Kale

Once planted, ornamental kale requires minimal care. Here’s how to keep it looking its best:

• Fertilize: Adding a balanced fertilizer when you plant can help ornamental kale thrive, but you generally don’t need to continue fertilizing throughout the season. Too much nitrogen can reduce color vibrancy, so be cautious with over-fertilizing.

• Protect from Pests: Cabbage worms, aphids, and other common pests can sometimes target ornamental kale. Keep an eye out for signs of pests and consider using organic insecticides or removing insects by hand if needed.

• Deadheading: Ornamental kale doesn’t produce flowers, but removing any damaged or dead leaves will keep it looking neat and healthy.

Creating Stunning Arrangements with Ornamental Kale

Ornamental kale is incredibly versatile in garden design. Here are some creative ways to incorporate it:

1. Mixed Garden Beds: Combine ornamental kale with other fall favorites like mums, pansies, or violas for a striking combination of textures and colors.

2. Container Gardens: Ornamental kale looks beautiful in containers, where it can act as a focal point. Pair it with trailing plants like ivy or add other cool-weather plants for a balanced arrangement.

3. Borders and Pathways: Ornamental kale’s bold, symmetrical shape makes it a great option for lining pathways or garden borders, creating a neat and organized look.

Ornamental Kale Varieties to Try

There are many varieties of ornamental kale to choose from, each with its own unique coloration and leaf shape. Some popular varieties include:

• ‘Nagoya’ Series: Known for its ruffled edges and compact size, with colors ranging from deep purple to white.

• ‘Peacock’ Series: This variety has finer, feathery leaves, often in purple or white hues, and works well in both gardens and containers.

• ‘Osaka’ Series: With large, flat leaves and bold colors, ‘Osaka’ kale is a standout choice for borders and focal points in garden beds.

Bringing Ornamental Kale Indoors

While ornamental kale is primarily an outdoor plant, it can be brought inside for short periods as a unique centerpiece or accent in floral arrangements. However, keep in mind that it prefers cooler temperatures and will last longer if kept in a cool, bright location away from heating vents or direct sunlight.

Final Thoughts

Ornamental kale is a wonderful way to keep your garden colorful and engaging as the seasons change. Its low-maintenance nature, stunning colors, and cold hardiness make it an ideal choice for gardeners who want something different from the typical fall foliage. Whether you’re adding it to your flower beds or creating a beautiful container arrangement, ornamental kale can bring a touch of elegance and resilience to your outdoor space.