Ornamental Kale 'Crane Pink'

Crane Pink (Brassica oleracea)

A showstopper for cool-season gardens, Ornamental Crane Pink Kale features tightly packed, ruffled leaves forming rosettes with soft green outer foliage and glowing pink centres. Bred specifically for ornamental use, these kale plants add vibrant texture and colour to fall and winter beds, containers, and bouquets.

Crane Pink is especially stunning when grown in groups, where its dramatic colouring intensifies in response to cool temperatures. Although technically edible, this variety is grown for its decorative value and makes a striking addition to floral arrangements, especially when paired with grasses, seed pods, or dried blooms.

Grows 18–24 inches tall and thrives in full sun to part shade. Start indoors in late summer or direct sow in early fall for best ornamental effect.

DETAILS:

QTY: 50

SITE: Full Sun

TYPE: Annual

SEED DEPTH: 1/4 - 1/2"

GERMINATION: 10-14 days at 21-29°C

HEIGHT:  24 - 36"

MATURITY: 90 - 110 Days

SPACING: 4 - 6"

PINCH: No

HOW TO GROW:

Indoors (recommended): Start seeds indoors 4–6 weeks before you plan to transplant them. After germination, grow seedlings in cool conditions (16–21°C for 3–4 weeks. Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions before planting outside.

Direct Seed (alternative): Sow seeds outdoors about 10–12 weeks before your first expected fall frost.

Pinching: When plants reach 10–12" tall, you can remove the lower leaves to encourage strong stem growth and a cleaner appearance. Repeat this 3–4 times as the plants mature.

Soil Preference and Watering: Ornamental kale thrives in full sun and requires well-drained, fertile soil. Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during germination and establishment.

Fertilizing: For vibrant colour and robust growth, amend the soil with compost before planting. You can also apply a balanced fertilizer every 4–6 weeks.

Harvesting: The vibrant colour of ornamental kale develops once nighttime temperatures consistently drop below 10°C. Harvest the stems for arrangements when they are firm and the colour is fully developed.