Climate matters. This page is a practical baseline. Confirm cultivar, local frost/heat conditions, mature size and regional restrictions before planting.
Ornamental Kale — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Brassica oleracea |
|---|---|
| Seed germination (days) | 5–10 |
| Soil temperature for germination (°C) | 15.6–23.9 |
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 75–90 |
| Measured from | Transplant |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 30.5–45.7 |
| Mature height (cm) | 25.4–38.1 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 30.5–45.7 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 2–11 |
| Light | Full sun |
| Water | Moderate |
| Sowing method | indoor-start |
Growing directions
Ornamental kale, a flowering cabbage, forms compact rosettes of frilly leaves in pink, purple, cream, and white that light up cool-season beds and containers. Start seed in mid to late summer so plants color up as temperatures drop, since the vivid hues develop with cold. Give full sun and steady moisture for full, dense rosettes. Frost only deepens the color, making this a standout for fall and winter displays; the leaves are edible but grown mainly for looks.
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
OpenPlantDB · ornamental-kale-sgs
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0