"Perennial Kales make great companions…We have also discovered that since we have populated our vegetable area with perennial kales, we have been able to grow our ‘regular’ kales without nets. Naked Cavolo Nero! who would have thought it! The perennial kales act as wonderful companions to the others as they take all the heat, leaving the others relatively undamaged by caterpillars. The perennial kales do get nibbled but shrug it off and have such resilience that they bounce back like nothing has happened.. "
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Taunton Deane Kale
A West Country delight giving years of lovely greens
Taunton Deane Kale
These kales were a true cottage garden addition with frilly leaves giving a lovely green backdrop to flowers.
These plants develop green leaves with purplish stems and veins. They live for about five years. It is a cultivation of wild cabbage.
Other plant names
Taunton Deane Kale
Family Brassica Oleacea var Acephela
My growing notes
I managed to buy two unrooted side shoots from Bay for £5.99, which is actually a bargain they are often over £10 each rooted or not. For a plant that gives years of green supply it is worth the investment although I’m not sure why there is such a big money making operation around perennial kales.
Growth
This devolves a woody trunk and grows to am impressive 2 metes
Growing Guide
Propagated by stem cuttings, rarely flowers and sets seed. It occasionally breaks it’s vow of celibacy and produces flowers.
It’s not precious about the type of soil it grows in but will benefit from a winter mulch.
Harvest Guide
Harvest though the year once established.
Little Details
Perennial for about 5 years. Very hardy.
height can be 2 metres and width 100-120cm.
Of course the white butterflies love them, net (0.8mm) if possible. Although it is reported that they come fine from a devastation.
Edible Uses
Crispy kale chips, use as you would greens or kale. young leaves can be eaten raw in salads.
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