Monday, March 10, 2008

All HALE THE KALE


The Cabbage photo is one I took in mid January. Last fall I shared a picture of the cabbage seedlings that I started, and now I wanted to show what they look like at maturity.
Ornamental kale and Cabbage are planted here in early fall and continue to grow throughout the Winter. They don't seem to be bothered by the cold and now that we are in March they are starting to bolt because the temperatures are warming. All come from the same parentage as regular cabbage and kale, as well, as Brussels sprouts, broccoli, kohlrabi, and cauliflower. Through selection in different areas of the world the same plant evolved into many forms.

The kale and cabbage I choose were shorter cultivars only getting about 14'' high. I like planting them with winter pansies for colour in the colder months. Usually they go in the ground in October around the same time I plant the fall bulbs.