Leaf Cabbage Brassica oleracea (Kale Group)

This group includes the biennial hybrids of Scotch kale, Scots kale, Russian kale and curly kale, all of which come from the same ancestor, wild cabbage. It is thought to have originated in the eastern Mediterranean region in the 3rd century. The name kale comes from Latin for cabbage.

Kale can grow 2-4 feet tall and wide and do best in full sun and any amended well-drained moist garden soil. They can be directly sown in the garden or purchased as seedlings and planted in either spring or fall. In the south, they can be grown all winter long as they tolerate frost and light freezes. Provide adequate nitrogen for best results. Get a soil test before planting and fertilize according to the results.

Kale leaves are generally large and thick and range in color from light to dark green, blue-green and red-tinged. They can be flat to curly with frilly to wavy and serrated margins. They can be grown as baby kale or mature plants. For mature plants, harvest when leaves are large but tender from the bottom of the stem to encourage more leaf production. Frost improves the flavor.

Kale can be eaten raw or cooked into various dishes. Curly varieties hold up best for cooking things like soup while flat-leaf varieties such as Russian kale do best in stir fries with very little cooking required. In the late winter or spring, plants will bolt and produce a cluster of 4-petaled yellow flowers that the early bees will enjoy.

Grow kale in the edible garden or plant among the perennials for winter interest.

Insects, Diseases and Other Plant Problems:  Nematodes are a big problem in sandy soils. Diseases may include leaf spot, black rot, podery mildew and bacterial leaf blight. See pests of crucifers to the left.

The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common Cole crop diseases and other plant problems.

More information on Brassica oleracea

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Edibles, Bulbs, and Houseplants" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.