Edibles – Vegetables – Redbore Kale

Redbore kale 

 Botanical name: brassica oleracea var. Acephala ‘redbor’ 

Beginner friendly?: yes

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

Bloom time:  spring, summer 

Hardy zone:  zones 3-10 

Flower color: yellow

Foliage color:  red, purple, 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:  vegetable gardens, fall flower beds, borders, edging, container plant

Light needs:  6 hours of sun per day 

Special features: interesting color and texture, culinary plant, taste becomes sweeter after being exposed to cooler temperatures

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: radishes, marigolds, sage, lemongrass 

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

Invasive species: no