Description
Emperor Red ornamental kale (Brassica oleracea) brings rich color and texture to cool-season beds and containers. Its frilled leaves form layered rosettes of green and deep red. Plants typically grow 6–12 inches tall and spread 12–16 inches, making them attractive along walkways, in mass plantings, or as accents with pansies and violas.
Growing Emperor Red in Alabama
Plant in fall when days begin to cool. Give it full sun to light shade and fertile, well-drained soil. Water regularly while plants establish, then keep soil evenly moist rather than soggy. Leaf color becomes more vivid with chilly weather; ornamental kale is especially useful for Alabama’s fall and winter displays. Remove yellowing lower leaves to keep plants tidy. Expect performance to decline as temperatures rise in late spring. Although kale can tolerate frost, prolonged hard freezes may damage foliage.
