Homesteader’s Kaleidoscopic Perennial Kale (Brassica oleracea var. ramosa) is a genetically diverse grex created by plant breeder Chris Homanics in the Pacific Northwest. Selected for flavour, vigour, and perennial growth, it produces an array of plants with different leaf forms, textures, colours, and habits. Some show purple tones or cold-induced variegation, while others resemble more traditional kales, with deep greens and blues.
Unlike biennial kales, most individuals in this population are perennials, forming woody, branching shrubs that can reach over 7 feet tall when flowering, but usually grow 3-5 feet in full sun. Leaves can be harvested year-round in mild climates, with best texture and flavour during cool seasons. New leaf flushes in spring and fall provide an abundance of tender leaves. Despite flowering annually, this kale goes on to grow new leaves and stems, as a true perennial. Cuttings can be rooted, and heavy stalks may fall over, rooting along the stem and continuing the plant's perennial nature.
Cold hardy to Zone 6 (-23ºC), this kale is impressive in the winter garden, with leaf colours that change and intensify. When selecting seedlings, we look for those that are the most colourful, selecting primarily for purple tones.
The diversity of this grex makes it valuable for both growers and breeders*, while the plants themselves are a reliable source of tender, flavourful greens.
Common names: Perennial Kale, Perpetual Kale, Homesteader's Kaleidoscopic Perennial Kale Grex, Homesteader's Perennial Kale, Bush Kale, Branching Kale
Edible: Leaves, stems, flowers
Harvest timing: Year-round, but especially in spring and fall when there are new flushes of tender leaves.
Scientific name: Brassica oleracea var. ramosa
Light requirements: Full sun to part shade (shorter and wider in full sun, taller and narrower in part shade)
Full-grown size: 3-6' tall x 2-4' wide (taller when flowering)
Hardiness: Zone 6
Pollination: Cross-pollination to set seed
Wildlife: Spring flowers are very attractive to pollinators including mason bees.
Origin: 'Homesteader's Kaleidoscopic Perennial' kale grex was bred by Chris Homanics in Oregon, USA.
Noteworthy: A showpiece in the winter garden, displaying intense colours in cold weather.
*The seeds for this variety of perennial kale were released under the Open Source Seed Initiative (OSSI). The Open Source Seed Initiative pledge states: "You have the freedom to use these OSSI-Pledged 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." More information on OSSI can be found at osseeds.org.
