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 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Purple | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Purple | |||
| Autumn | Green Purple | |||
| Winter | Green Purple |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical 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
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.