By September, there usually comes a point when even the most lovingly planted summer container begins to look a little tired. Your petunias might have become leggy, with browning leaves, while your pelargoniums might finally have given up the ghost, their flowers that seemed endless in June and July suddenly rather reluctant. You can keep deadheading and watering, of course, but sometimes a little refresh is the easiest way to revive a fading display.
This is when I think ornamental kale really comes into its own. With great ruffled rosettes in shades of green, cream, pink and deep purple, these unusual plants can completely transform a container. Better still, while summer favorites such as petunias and pelargoniums begin to deteriorate as temperatures fall, ornamental kale – like many brassicas, of course – positively relishes cooler weather.
While ornamental kale isn’t necessarily what we think of when talking about edimental plants, there is something pleasing about using a familiar vegetable family decoratively. It is closely related to the kale we grow to eat, but has been selected for its extraordinary foliage rather than flavor. You can find ornamental kale plants at Amazon, ready to drop into any gaps left by summer annuals. Here are my tips for growing ornamental kale in pots this month.
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How to Grow Ornamental Kale in Pots
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Ornamental kale is rather straightforward to grow both in the border or a container, and you don’t need an enormous urn or vase to make an impact.
As with most plants, good drainage is important, so always choose a container with drainage holes and fill it with a good-quality potting mix. Something like this Miracle-Gro potting mix from Walmart should do the trick.
In terms of position, full sun is best, particularly as we enter the cooler months. But, in warmer spots (like zone 9), a little afternoon shade can be useful. Remember, these are cool-season plants, and ornamental kale will look far happier once temperatures drop in October and November.
You can, of course, grow ornamental kale alone. If this is your preference, it is best to group five or so plants in a pot for impact. However, I would suggest combining it with other fall favorites.
Try pairing those purple, pink or cream rosettes with chrysanthemums for flowers, an ornamental grass for a little height and movement, or even ornamental peppers for something brighter.
For this sort of container display, you want to plant the ornamental kale at the front of the pot, slightly tilted outwards for effect. This will keep them visible, rather than disappearing behind lofty chrysanthemums and tall asters.
You can find ornamental kale plants at Trees.com (formerly Fast Growing Trees)
Ongoing Care for Ornamental Kale in Pots
(Image credit: Getty Images/Elena Popova)
Once planted, ornamental kale is remarkably low-maintenance. You will often see this plant in the garden center or local store, and the reason for their popularity is their ease of growing.
The main thing to keep an eye on is moisture. Aim to keep the potting mix consistently moist but never waterlogged, checking containers regularly during any warm, dry spells in September. As temperatures fall, you should find yourself reaching for the watering can far less often. And, if you are noticing pools of water on top the pot, you have a drainage issue.
There is really no need to use any fertilizer, either. If you have planted into fresh potting mix, your kale should have everything it needs for the weeks and months ahead.
As fall progresses, remove any yellowing or damaged outer leaves to keep those colorful rosettes looking their best. You should be able to carefully snap stems and pull such leaves away. Or, alternatively, us something like these Spear & Jackson pruning shears, available from Target.
Consider adding a thin layer of mulch across the surface of the pot. Bark, fine gravel or horticultural grit will give the container a smart appearance, while helping to retain moisture and protect the soil as temperatures fall. Just keep mulch an inch or so away from the base of your kale stems.
Finally, don’t panic when the first chilly nights arrive (hopefully not in the immediate future, but you never know in September). Ornamental kale is far more tolerant of cold than the summer annuals you are likely replacing.
In warm or mild regions, plants can remain attractive well into winter, while gardeners in colder zones can simply enjoy the display until more severe winter weather eventually takes its toll by November or December.
What to Shop
Grow these purple kale plants in pots in full sun for the best results, somewhere they can enjoy 6 hours of sunlight each day.
These weathered planters feature a distinct maritime texture. An antiqued glaze will continue to change over time, adding to the pot’s character and authenticity.
These plastic urns are both durable and lightweight. Planted with ornamental kale, they can add color to patios and front yards.
For more fall patio inspiration, see our guide on how to grow phlox in pots, a great late-season perennial to add pops of pink and purple to your container displays. While far taller than ornamental kale, phlox can also make a nice addition to pots as the growing season comes to an end.
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