Brassica oleracea (Acephala Group) 'Black Magic'
borecole 'Black Magic'
A hardy biennial grown as an annual vegetable. A British bred Cavolo Nero variety with distinctively tall, narrow dark grey-green leaves which have a savoyed appearance. The leaves can be harvested as baby leaf or left to mature, they have a rich flavour and delicate texture. Shows some resistance to bolting
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Neutral, AlkalineColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Winter | Green Grey Silver |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Brassicaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Genus
Brassicas can be annual, biennial or perennial plants, most are upright with alternate, often glaucous leaves, long taproots and clusters of cross-shaped, yellow or white flowers. The genus includes a number of species bred to produce food crops, such as cabbages, turnips, mustards and oilseed rape, as well as others grown for their ornamental value
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in fertile, moist but well drained soil in full sun. Sow indoors in mid-Spring and prick out to modules or individual pots, transplant out in early Summer between May-July in rows 60cm apart. Keep well watered and cover with netting to protect from birds and insects. See vegetable cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
Pruning
No pruning required. Remove yellow leaves
Pests
May be susceptible to birds, cabbage whitefly, cabbage root fly, cabbage caterpillar, cutworms, slugs and snails, swede midge, mealy cabbage aphid
Diseases
May be susceptible to black rot, downy mildew, foot and root rot, grey mould, leaf spot, white blister
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.