Growing Late-Season Kale for Extended Color, Texture, and Taste

Plant another round of this leafy powerhouse in late summer for a stellar autumn performance in the Midwest

As we descend into our summertime garden in theMidwest , the autumn seems to be in the distant future . However , the decline season always seems to make it before we know it . And with some foresight and preparation we can enjoy the wages of the coloring , texture , and penchant of kale ( Brassicaoleraceacvs . , Zones 7–11 ) as the temperature continue to sink . Even if you admit Brassica oleracea acephala in your spring and summer garden , the value of another planting will be realized when the cooler weather condition of fall bring about increase coloration in many kale selections and tempt the best flavor ( seraphic and nutty ) of these cold - tolerant , leafy vegetables .

Cool temperatures encourage the best leaf colorations

lively and cold hardy in lower temperatures ( down to the low 20 degrees F ) , many kale varieties get more intensely colourful foliage into later summertime and fall — with the best coloration come as the evenings become lightly frosted . While edible , many kale selections have been produce primarily for intensity offall color , with potent jot of white , pinkish , and maroon . The curled kales offer an amazing range of textures in the garden and are truly “ ornamental eatable . ”

Kale is no slouch in the kitchen either

Kale leaves , often apply asmicrogreens , also reach crest flavor after a lightsome frost . Kale is a howling and healthful increase to sweet talker , and the tender leaves are delicious in salads . Kale can be steam , stir - fried , or substitute for prickly-seeded spinach in a wide ambit of recipes . Kale leave-taking can keep well for at least a calendar week in the electric refrigerator in a loose , plastic produce udder with a dampish paper towel . A half cup of kale has a day ’s supply of vitamin A and C , quite a mo of atomic number 20 , and only 22 calories . Suffice it to say that kale is one of the most nutrient - dense plants on the planet . Its benefits can be extended when the leaves are work on and fixed .

Kale is easy to grow with a little care and the right conditions

Kale requires fertilesoil , which should be rectify with compost if available . Although it prefers full sun , kail can tolerate partial shade . Kale seed can be sow in in advance , with new seedling incorporate into unfastened spaces in yourveggie garden . From seeding to harvest for kale is about three month , so time your “ kale integration ” accordingly for fall enjoyment . Many garden shopping center and nurseries also sell kale plants late in the season , mainly for their ornamental value , which is not insignificant .

Keeping the roots mulched and cool and the plants well - water termination in the good plant and leaf flavor . plectron leave from the sides , throw away yellowed or ragged leafage , but void damaging the center of the plant , and leave at least four leaves entire . Inspect your colewort on social function for potential worm and disease problems .

Kale favorites for your garden and culinary enjoyment

search the wide reach of pelf for the late - season garden to add colour and interest but also for the significant taste and nourishment provided by this superintendent - food . Here are some of my preferred excerpt for garden semblance , texture , and taste .

‘ Nero di Toscana ’ ( syn . ‘ Black Tuscan’).This selection is thought to be one the best - tasting varieties and is prized by chef in Italy . With awe-inspiring blue - green , cockle foliage , this Brassica oleracea acephala is also a notable ornamental throughout the growing season .

‘ Meadowlark’ . This is a very cold - tolerant kail with narrow , tightly curled leaves . eatable and cosmetic at the same time , this motley continues to emerge as one of the most popular in the kitchen as well .

‘ Prizm’ . feature light , tight , ruffle - boundary leave-taking , this 2016 All - America Selections ( AAS ) winner has first-class savor and is an all - purpose variety for ornamentality too . The fine grain of this variety is notable from both near and far in the garden .

‘ Starbor’ . The finely curled , blue - green leaves on this compact , luxuriously - yielding selection are the perfect scale leaf for harvesting the full plant . This is a gracious kale for a close garden location in a course or a container .

‘ glamor Red’ . While edible , this 2011 AAS victor is a fringe - leaf type with glistening leaves that feature a vivid , hot pink volley of color extending well into fall . This Brassica oleracea acephala looks slap-up throughout the entire rise time of year and bring more beautiful with years .

‘ Redbor’ . Long democratic as an ornamental , this kale feature of speech ruffled , violet - blood-red foliage with vivid color and grain that improves in fall . While comestible , this selection is ordinarily sold for its looks at nurseries and garden centers .

— Mark Dwyer is the garden manager for the Edgerton Hospital Healing Garden in Edgerton , Wisconsin , and he operate on Landscape Prescriptions by MD .

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