Taunton Deane Tree Kale

Taunton Deane Tree Kale

A perennial kale from the UK that is widely grown there and in Europe. Very similar to the Richmond’s Purple Tree Collard but stays a bit more compact and has the flavor and texture of kale. Like the purple tree collard Taunton Deane rarely flowers and sets seed which allows it to continue growing in a vegetative state. On older plants that get leggy you can take cuttings from side branches to start your own new perennial kale plants.

Even tastier than typical collards and perennial too, tree kales and collards are an essential piece of the perennial vegetable garden. While most brassicas are biennial, flowering in their second year, perennial tree collards continue vegetative growth for many years without flowering. While you may occasionally see a few flower buds on tree kale, picking them off will allow the plant to continue in its vegetative stage. Or, if you are looking to breed your own perennial kale, let it flower! Grow out the seeds and you might find a brand-new perennial brassica!

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Latin Name: Brassica oleracea racemosa
Site and Soil: Tree Kale likes 1/2 day to full sun and well-drained soil.
Hardiness: Hardy to 15° F and perhaps lower once established
Bearing Age: 1 year after planting.
Size at Maturity: 5-10 ft. in height.
Pests & Diseases: White flies & aphids but seemingly more resistant than typical biennial kale plants
USDA Zone: 8, some report it being hardy to zone 7