Unleash the vibrancy of winter with ornamental kale, a stunning addition to any garden. Master the art of cultivating these remarkable plants with my comprehensive guide, delving into essential aspects such as sunlight, soil, fertilizer, common pests and problems, and trusted seed sources. Get ready to transform your outdoor space into a kaleidoscope of colors that will brighten even the dreariest of seasons: How to Grow Ornamental Kale: A Guide to Vibrant Winter Greens.
How to Grow Ornamental Kale: Vibrant Winter Greens
Seeds or Purchased Plants?
Start with seeds, which need light to germinate. Sprinkle them on the surface of the planting medium. Or buy ready-grown plants.
Perfect Soil and Sun
Give your kale well-drained, organically rich soil that’s blessed with full sun.
A Kaleidoscope of Zones
Ornamental kale thrives in all USDA Hardiness Zones, meaning a kaleidoscope of color in your garden all year round.
In Praise of Fall Gardens
For gardening in autumn’s embrace, sow seeds by July 1st.
Edible Beauty, Not Edible Treat
While ornamental kale boasts a stunning array of colors and textures, it’s only for the eyes—not your taste buds.
Companion Planting Harmony
Ornamental kale makes a harmonious match alongside pansies, violas, and chrysanthemums.
Pest Patrol
Keep a watchful eye for aphids and cabbage loopers. Use organic methods like insecticidal soap or neem oil to keep these pests at bay.
If you are new to growing vegetables, you should harvest scallions. Scallions are easy to grow and can be harvested in just a few weeks. They are a great addition to salads, soups, and stir-fries. Do you know that succulentscan be grown to grow dragon fruit? Give it a try! You can let your kids to try it as well.
Common Pests and Problems
Growing ornamental kale can be a rewarding experience, but it’s important to be aware of the potential pests and problems that can affect these plants. Here are some of the most common pests and problems, along with control measures and additional information:
Pests
- Cabbage worms: These are green caterpillars that feed on the leaves of kale plants. They can cause significant damage, especially if they are not controlled.
- Cabbage loopers: These are also green caterpillars, but they have a distinctive looping motion when they crawl. They can also cause significant damage to kale plants.
- Flea beetles: These are small, black beetles that can jump quickly when they are disturbed. They feed on the leaves of kale plants, causing small holes.
- Caterpillars: There are a variety of caterpillars that can feed on kale plants. They can cause damage by eating the leaves and stems of the plants.
- Thrips: These are small, slender insects that feed on the leaves of kale plants. They can cause the leaves to turn yellow and drop off.
- Slugs: These are soft-bodied creatures that can feed on the leaves of kale plants. They can cause significant damage, especially if they are not controlled.
- Aphids: These are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of kale plants. They can cause the leaves to turn yellow and drop off.
Diseases
- Fungal or bacterial diseases: These can cause a variety of symptoms, including yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and wilting.
- Black rot: This is a bacterial disease that can cause the leaves of kale plants to turn black and rot. It is difficult to treat and requires removing infested plants.
- Downy mildew: This is a fungal disease that can cause the leaves of kale plants to turn yellow and develop a downy growth.
- Rust: This is a fungal disease that can cause the leaves of kale plants to develop rusty-brown spots.
- Nematodes: These are small, worm-like creatures that can feed on the roots of kale plants. They can cause stunting, yellowing, and wilting.
Key Takeaways:
- Flea beetles can eventually kill kale plants.
- Black rot is difficult to treat and requires removing infested plants.
Source:
Seed Sources
If starting ornamental kale from seed, you have plenty of options to choose from. You can purchase seeds from online retailers, local nurseries, or even harvest them from your own plants.
- Online retailers offer a wide variety of ornamental kale seeds, including many unusual and hard-to-find varieties.
- Local nurseries typically have a smaller selection of ornamental kale seeds, but they can be a good source for locally adapted varieties.
- If you have ornamental kale plants that you like, you can collect your seeds. To do this, allow the plants to go to seed after they have finished flowering.
Key Takeaways:
- Ornamental kale seeds can be purchased from online retailers, local nurseries, or harvested from your own plants.
- Online retailers offer the widest variety of seeds, while local nurseries may have locally adapted varieties.
- You can collect seeds from your own plants if you have varieties you like.
Most Relevant URL Source:
How to Grow Ornamental Kale
FAQ
Q1: How much sunlight does ornamental kale need?
A1: Ornamental kale prefers full sun for the best color and growth. However, it can tolerate partial shade, especially in hot climates.
Q2: What type of soil is best for growing ornamental kale?
A2: Ornamental kale prefers well-drained, organically rich soil with a pH between 5.8 and 6.5.
Q3: How often should I fertilize ornamental kale?
A3: Fertilize ornamental kale monthly with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to leggy growth and reduced flowering.
Q4: What are some common pests and problems of ornamental kale?
A4: Common pests of ornamental kale include aphids, flea beetles, and cabbage worms. Common diseases include black rot, downy mildew, and rust.
Q5: Where can I find seeds for ornamental kale?
A5: Seeds for ornamental kale can be purchased from most garden centers and online retailers. Look for varieties that are suitable for your climate and desired growing season.
