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Annual Biennial

Brassica oleracea (Acephala Group) 'Kapitan'
  • RHS AGM

borecole 'Kapitan'

A popular, hardy annual kale with attractive, densely curled, deep green leaves on tall branching stems. It produces an abundant crop of Winter greens throughout Autumn and Winter, showing excellent hardiness. Can be harvested as baby leaf or left to mature. The flavour is improved with cold temperatures

Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
1 year
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Sand
Loam
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Brassicaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming, 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

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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 yellowing 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, club root, downy mildew, foot and root rot, leaf spot, white blister

Get involved

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