Annual – Peacock Red Flowering Kale

Peacock red flowering kale 

 Botanical name: brassica oleracea ‘peacock red’

Beginner friendly?: yes

Average size at maturity: up to about 1-2 ft in height and in spread 

Bloom time:  summer, fall 

Hardy zone:  zones 10-11 

Flower color: red, purple

Foliage color:  red, purple, brown, green 

Growth rate:  reaches fully mature size in first growing season 

Pruning instructions: deadhead withered blooms and foliage as needed 

Propagation methods:  propagate by seed sowing 

Landscape use:  fall flower beds, borders, edging, container plant, herb garden interest 

Light needs:  6 hours of sun per day 

Special features: edible but most commonly used as a garnish, foliage turns more red as the temperatures drop 

Watering instructions: allow the top inch of soil to dry between watering sessions 

Fertilizing instructions :  feed with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the time of planting 

Best time to plant:  spring or summer 

Best type of soil: loam 

Companion plants: snapdragons, dill, ornamental peppers, rosemary, basil 

Toxicity level: mildly toxic for pets if ingested but non-toxic for humans 

Invasive species: no