This species has been cultivated as a food crop for many hundreds of years and, in that time, several quite distinct forms have arisen. The nomenclature of these forms is confused, to say the least, and by no means universally accepted. We have followed the treatment used by GRIN, though it is very likely to be revised in the future[].

Common Name: Jersey Kale

General Information

Jersey kale is a biennial plant derived in cultivation from the wild cabbage. It usually grows up to 3 metres tall, exceptionally to 5 metres, producing an unbranched stem topped by a rosette of leaves.
The plant is sometimes cultivated for its large, edible leaves, and also for the straight, slender stems, which are used to make walking sticks.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

A cultivated form of Brassica oleracea.

Habitat

Not known in the wild.

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Biennial
Height	2.00 m
Pollinators	Bees
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Cultivated

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in full sun in a well-drained fertile preferably alkaline soil[]. Prefers a heavy soil[]. Succeeds in any reasonable soil. Succeeds in maritime gardens[]. Tolerates a pH in the range 4.3 to 8.3.

Edible Uses

Leaves - cooked. A strong cabbage flavour[].

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

A good companion for celery and other aromatic plants since these seem to reduce insect predations[, ]. Grows badly with potatoes, beet and onions[]. Grows well with potatoes, beet and onions according to another report[].

Other Uses

The long slender stems have been dried and used as walking sticks[].

Propagation

Seed - sow in a seedbed outdoors in mid spring. Plant out in summer as space allows. Do not let the seedlings get overcrowded or they will soon become leggy and will not make such good plants. If your seedlings do get leggy, it is possible to plant them rather deeper into the soil - the buried stems will soon form roots and the plant will be better supported.