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BRASSICA oleracea 'Blue Ridge'

Image of Brassica oleracea 'Blue Ridge' (Acephala Group)

James H. Schutte

Family

Brassicaceae

Botanical Name

BRASSICA oleracea 'Blue Ridge'( Acephala Group)

Plant Common Name

Kale

General Description

A heat-tolerant kale that works well in the vegetable or ornamental garden, 'Blue Ridge' has ruffled blue-green foliage that is especially colorful in cool weather. Typically grown as an annual, kale is a cool season vegetable tracing its ancestry to Brassica oleracea, a fleshy-leaved, short-lived perennial from coastal areas of western and southern Europe.

This cultivar bears showy leaves on branching stems that elongate to knee height. In cool weather the foliage takes on richer, deeper blue-green hues, while becoming more curled and convoluted. Despite its relative heat tolerance, this cultivar may dwindle in heat and sometimes bolts, becoming lanky and producing sprays of four-petaled lemon yellow flowers on tall stems. Plants that overwinter often bloom in spring.

Grow 'Blue Ridge' in full to partial sun and fertile, organic-rich garden soil with ample drainage. Although tolerant of subfreezing temperatures, plants will perish in severe cold. Sow seeds in the chill of early spring, or in mid to late summer for a fall crop. Plants mature 50 to 55 days after sowing, although the tender young leaves can be harvested earlier for salads. Often achieving their best flavor after frost, the relatively tough, pungently flavored mature leaves are best steamed or sauteed rather than raw. Hot weather and bolting cause leaves to become bitter.

This selection combines beautifully with asters, ornamental grasses and mums in the autumn garden. Overwintered plants make excellent companions for violas and early spring bulbs.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    6 - 1

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    6 - 11

  • Sunset Zone

    A1, A2, A3, H1, H2, 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Vegetable

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun

  • Height

    18"-24" / 45.7cm - 61.0cm

  • Width

    12"-18" / 30.5cm - 45.7cm

  • Bloom Time

    Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer

  • Native To

    Southern Europe, Western Europe, Mediterranean

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam, Sand

  • Tolerances

    Salt

  • Growth Rate

    Fast

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water

  • Habit

    Clump-Forming

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    Yellow

  • Fruit Color

    Brown

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Blue Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Blue Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Blue Green

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Blue Green

  • Fragrant Flowers

    Yes

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    Yes

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    Yes

  • Foliage Texture

    Bold

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    Semi-Evergreen

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Usage

    Bedding Plant, Container, Edging, Edible, Herb / Vegetable, Mixed Border

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Attracts

    Butterflies

  • Self-Sowing

    Yes