Plant Spotlight Winterbor Kale ~ Brassica oleracea 'Winterbor' скачать в хорошем качестве

Plant Spotlight Winterbor Kale ~ Brassica oleracea 'Winterbor'

Embrace the Cold with Winterbor Kale Winterbor Kale (Brassica oleracea 'Winterbor') is a cool season annual that stands out with its thick, finely curled, rich green basal foliage. Not only is it a stunning ornamental plant, but it's also a delightful edible variety. The leaves of Winterbor Kale have an extra mild, sweet tang flavor that becomes even more pronounced after the first frost, making it a perfect addition to your winter culinary creations. Edibility and Culinary Use Yes, Winterbor Kale is edible. Its leaves are tender and flavorful, ideal for salads, soups, and sautéed dishes. The best flavor is achieved when the leaves are harvested after they've been sweetened by a light frost. This characteristic makes Winterbor Kale a dual-purpose plant, offering both aesthetic appeal and practical use in the kitchen. Optimal Planting Time The ideal time to plant Winterbor Kale is in the spring or fall. In USDA Hardiness Zones 7 through 11, where it thrives best, planting in the early fall will allow the kale to establish itself and take advantage of the cooler temperatures. This timing ensures that the kale will be mature and ready to withstand the winter, providing a lush, green presence in the garden during the colder months. Companion Plants for Winterbor Kale When planning your winter garden, consider these companion plants that will complement Winterbor Kale both in beauty and growing conditions: Dill (Anethum graveolens): This herb not only adds a delicate texture but also attracts beneficial insects to the garden. Agastache (Agastache spp.): With its colorful spikes and aromatic leaves, Agastache is a great companion that thrives in similar conditions as kale. Sage (Salvia officinalis): The earthy tones of sage provide a beautiful contrast to the vibrant green of Winterbor Kale and can also withstand the cold. Pansies (Viola x wittrockiana): These hardy flowers bring a splash of color to the winter garden and pair nicely with the texture of kale leaves. Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus): Offering height and a variety of colors, snapdragons can create a visually appealing backdrop for the kale. Maintenance and Care Winterbor Kale is low maintenance, requiring little care once established. It prefers rich, consistently moist, well-drained loamy soils and can be grown in full sun to part sun. While it's a hardy plant, watch out for pests such as cabbageworms, cabbage loopers, flea beetles, and aphids. Diseases like leaf spots, blackleg, black rot, and yellows can also occur, so keep an eye out for these and take action if needed. In summary, Winterbor Kale is an excellent choice for gardeners looking to add both beauty and function to their winter gardens. Its edibility, low maintenance needs, and compatibility with a variety of companion plants make it a versatile and rewarding choice for any cold-season landscape. Plant Joy! 🌿