Brassica oleracea var. acephala
Botanical Name
Brassica oleracea var. acephala
Hardiness
Annual
Height
18 to 36 inches
Width
12 to 36 inches
Light
Full sun to part shade
Soil
Moist, well-drained
Planting and Care
Put out transplants in early spring 4 to 6 weeks before last frost, space 12 inches apart in rows 18 to 24 inches apart. Kale needs cool weather of spring or fall to develop the best foliage color.
Problems
Flea beetles, slugs, black rot, black leg, cabbage loopers, cutworms, cabbage aphids
Varieties to Consider
'Red Russian' - blue-grey, flat, deeply cut leaves
'Redbor' - 2-3' tall, deep red-purple
'White Russian'
'Redbor' - 2-3' tall, deep red-purple
'White Russian'