As autumn arrives in Texas, ornamental kale offers a beautiful way to add color and texture to the garden. With its striking rosettes of ruffled leaves in shades of purple, pink, white, and green, this cool-season favorite provides a colorful display throughout fall and winter.

Unlike traditional flowering plants, ornamental kale gets its beauty from its foliage rather than its flowers. As temperatures drop, its colors become even more brilliant, making it a wonderful addition to flower beds, borders, and decorative containers.

Growing Tips for Chappell Hill Gardeners

• Planting Time: October through November, when temperatures begin to cool.

• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade, with good sunlight encouraging healthy growth.

• Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter.

• Watering: Keep soil evenly moist but avoid overwatering.

• Size: Typically 10–15 inches tall and wide, depending on variety.

• Cold Tolerance: Handles ordinary Texas winter frosts, although severe freezes may damage foliage.

• Companion Plants: Pansies, violas, snapdragons, and dusty miller.

Did You Know?

Ornamental kale belongs to the same plant family as broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower. Although technically edible, it is grown primarily for its decorative foliage rather than its flavor.

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Garden Club Tip: Plant several ornamental kale varieties together in a large container or garden bed for a dramatic winter display. Combine purple and white varieties with colorful pansies for an especially cheerful arrangement.

Sources: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Texas Tech University Plant Database, and University of Florida IFAS Extension. Earth-Kind® Landscaping Earth-Kind® Landscaping