This perennial kale has received our Cosmic Jab of approval many times over, and after years of enjoying their year-round greens we are excited to offer them to farmers and gardeners across the country. Kosmic Kale is a perennial kale, so unlike most brassicas that are biennial and flower in their second year, the Kosmic Kale continues growing in a vegetative state without going to flower. The white variegated edges of the leaves really make it pop in the garden and give it the cosmic flare for which it is so deeply treasured. Kosmic Kale Perennial Kale is a perfect addition to the forest garden or perennial bed.

Latin Name: Brassica hybrid
Site and Soil: Kosmic Kale likes 1/2 day to full sun and well-drained soil.
Rootstock Description: Kosmic Kale is self rooted
Pollination Requirements: None
Hardiness: Kosmic Kale is hardy to about 10F, possibly lower once established
Bearing Age: Year of planting
Size at Maturity: 2 ft x 4 ft
Bloom Time: None
Pests & Diseases: Susceptible to common brassica pests, such as whitefly and aphids
USDA Zone: 8

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Homesteader’s Kaleidoscopic Perennial Kale Grex was developed by plant breeder and brassica-ologist Chris Homanics from crossing the perennial kale bush varieties ‘Purple Tree Collard’ and ‘Daubenton’ to a variety of other colored kales, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and more. Out of this grex (mix) came all sorts of leaf shapes and colors. Long and thin to ruffled, smooth, flat, or wide. Colors like yellow green, red, dark purple, variegated white and pink, and solid green.

Selected from the beginning for flavor and texture with the kitchen in mind. Loved by chefs and the eaters alike. Careful selection of thousands and thousands of plants over years has honed in on the hardiest and longest living plants which vigorously grow to become large sprawling bushes. These are huge perennials bigger than typical kale and need at least 3 feet apart!

Trialed successfully in most regions of the country. Growers will find it performs well both in drought and winter cold down to zone 6. Once winter sets in, you will be surprised as some of the plants will begin to show beautiful splashes of color.

Most plants will flower in the second year and then continue growing later in the season. You can create new plants by taking woody stem cuttings of your best plants. Finally, in the early Fall, prune these plants to stimulate fresh new growth as you would other perennials.

Post your pictures – show what you grow!

From the Head, Hands, Heart

Thanks goes to our friend Graham Jenkins-Belohorska for his forethought and luck in achieving the initial cross between bush kales, finally showing that it was possible to get seed again from these plants.

Released under the Open Source Seed Initiative (OSSI) license which reads:

“You have the freedom to use these OSSI seeds in any way you choose. In return, you pledge not to restrict other’s use of these seeds or their derivatives by patents or other means, and to include this pledge with any transfer of these seeds or their derivatives.”

As required by the Oregon Department of Agriculture and the Washington Crucifer Seed Quarantine this seed was tested by OSU and found to be free from Blackleg fungus (Leptosphaeria maculans).

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A monstrous cousin of the more commonly seen Sea Kale, the Giant Sea Kale (Crambe cordifolia) is valued as both a bold and bodacious ornamental as well as a very useful perennial vegetable. Just like Sea Kale, the Giant Sea Kale can be harvested for its young leaves, flower buds in the “broccoli” stage as well as flowers and roots. Grows as a large perennial mound 1.5′ to 2′ tall with flower stalks that can reach up to 4 feet tall or more. A very fun and exciting perennial vegetable to add to the garden.

Latin Name: Crambe cordifolia
Site and Soil: Full to part sun and well-drained soil.
Hardiness: Hardy to -25° F.
Size at Maturity: 2′ in height by 3′ feet wide
Bloom Time: late spring
Pests & Diseases: No pests or diseases that we’ve seen on our plants here in Portland except the occasional aphids and slugs
USDA Zone: 5

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Despite its name, Sea Kale does not need a nearby ocean to thrive.  This perennial vegetable has edible roots, shoots like asparagus, leaves like kale, cabbage, or spinach, and flower heads like broccoli. It’s quickly becoming a cult classic in permaculture gardens everywhere.

Latin Name: Crambe maritima
Site and Soil: Full to part sun and well-drained soil.
Hardiness: Hardy to -35° F.
Size at Maturity: 2′ in height by 3′ feet wide
Bloom Time: late spring
Pests & Diseases: No pests or diseases that we’ve seen on our plants here in Portland except the occasional aphids
USDA Zone: 4

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