Brassicaceae; native to Europe.

Germination: Sow indoors, covering the seeds with 4 times their thickness in soil, and maintaining 68-70° F during germination, which takes 3-10 days. For early spring color, sow in late winter.

Growth: Space seedlings 12 inches apart in rich, well-drained soil and full sun. Keep the soil evenly moist and fertilize moderately. In zones 8-10, discourage weeds and protect the roots in winter. It is easy to transplant and shows the best color if fertilizer is withheld during the last month of production and is grown cool (60°F). Plants are hardy to 25° F.

Appearance and Use: Decorative, ornamental plants for beds, borders, and edging. Brassica is beautiful in containers. Ornamental Kale can also be eaten or used as a garnish. Plants display thick green leaves held in rosettes 12 inches across with centers of white, rose, or purple in fall and winter.