Ornamental Kale Adds Color To A Winter Garden

Ornamental kale is very colorful, with red, lavender or white centers, and is perfect for adding color to a winter garden. Its colors are most vivid when temperatures are cool.

The plants tolerate cold weather and can be planted late in the year. The bright rosettes, or clusters of leaves, should stay pretty until the temperature drops below 20 F .

Ornamental kale can be started indoors and later transplanted outside, or it can be planted directly in the flower bed.

Prepare the soil by loosening the soil and using a good fertilizer. Kale grows to a height of about 6 inches with an 18-inch spread so seed should be planted far apart and in direct sunlight. Transplants should be set 12 inches apart.

Ornamental kale may be eaten, but it doesn't taste as good as culinary kale. It is best used as featured winter color in the landscape, especially in flower beds that are slightly sloped to expose the colorful leaves full view.