ISU Extension News

Extension Communications
3614 Administrative Services Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3614
(515) 294-9915

11/13/03

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contacts:
Linda Naeve, Reiman Gardens, (515) 294-8946, lnaeve@iastate.edu
Jean McGuire, Continuing Education and Communication Services, (515) 294-7033, jmcguire@iastate.edu

Ornamental Kale Gives a Unique Look to Fall Displays

Linda Naeve
Extension Coordinator
Reiman Gardens

Plants and people have something in common - each species or individual has unique characteristics. This week's Reiman's Pick, ornamental kale, is unique because it is planted as an annual but actually looks best in the garden long after the other annuals have died.

Ornamental kale has become a popular addition to fall displays. Its beautiful, round symmetry creates an interesting pattern of shape and color when planted in masses in a garden, as a border or as a container planting. Ornamental kale is grown for its blue-green foliage that is accented with a center rosette that can be in a variety of color combinations ranging from white to pinks and purples to reds. Ornamental kale combines well with other fall-blooming plants, such as pansies and chrysanthemums. Mature plants are about 12 inches in diameter and six inches tall.

Another unique characteristic of kale is it shares its genus and species name with several other plants in the Brassica oleracea family including cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower. However, kale is part of the "acephala group" which means headless, while the other plants in this species form heads. Ornamental kale evolved from the edible form through plant breeding. It is edible, but chefs will use it instead as a garnish to decorate serving areas and plates.

Ornamental kale and ornamental cabbage are similar and often mistaken. Ornamental cabbage forms low-growing plants with broad, flatter leaves. The foliage of ornamental kale is frilly and sometimes fringed on the edges.

Grown as an annual, kale is actually a biennial plant. Unlike most garden annuals, it is not commonly set out in late spring as a summer transplant in Iowa. Ornamental kale and cabbage planted in the spring often do not grow well because they do not tolerate the summer heat. They perform best when set out as transplants in late summer.

When purchasing transplants of ornamental kale and other Brassica oleracea plants from the garden center, be selective and avoid transplants that are rootbound and have out-grown their containers. Look for small transplants in cell packs or those in appropriate-sized containers for the plant.

Plant ornamental kale in a sunny, well-drained location; set the plants about 18 inches apart in the garden or as close as 10 inches apart in large containers. After planting, check for cabbage worms - green caterpillars that chew holes in the leaves of kale and its relatives. These pests are a problem for a few weeks in early fall.

As much as ornamental kale does not like the heat, it does like the cold. If gradually acclimated to the cold, it can survive winter temperatures as low as five degrees Fahrenheit. A light and moderate frost in October and November actually intensifies the brilliant coloring of their leaves.

A beautiful fall display greets you when entering Reiman Gardens. You can see how containers filled with ornamental kale add character, color and dimension to the display and the garden.

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Editors: A color photo, suitable for publication, is available at right. Click on the thumbnail photo to go to the fullsized photo. The picture's fullsize photo is 504K.

Caption: Rose bush prepared for winter at Reiman Gardens


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