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Annual Biennial

Brassica oleracea Kalettes

kale sprout [Kalettes]

A cross between brussels sprouts and kale, but with the flavour of Kale or spring greens, these rosettes of loose, frilly green and purple leaves grow up to 75cm in height and are highly nutritious. They are also hardy and long-lived. Harvest from November through to April

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

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Brassicaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy, Clump forming
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

Trade

How to grow

Cultivation

Prefers a moist but well drained, alkaline to neutral soil. Water regularly in dry periods and add in plenty of organic matter prior to planting. See kale cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds or sowing seeds indoors

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Wall side borders
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to cabbage caterpillars, cabbage whitefly, aphids, flea beetles and slugs and snails

Diseases

May be susceptible to black rot, downy mildew, foot and root rot, grey mould, leaf spot and white blister

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