Ornamental kale SEEDS, Coral Queen

Brassica oleracea 'Coral Queen' — Ornamental Kale — is a bold, sculptural cool-season annual that comes alive as temperatures drop and most garden plants fade. Frilly green outer leaves frame a brilliant pink, white, or purple center that intensifies with each frost, making Coral Queen a standout ornamental filler for fall and winter beds, borders, and containers. In mild winters it will persist well into early spring, eventually bolting into an equally attractive display. Also edible — though milder in flavor than culinary kale.

Plant Highlights

• Frilly green outer leaves with vivid pink, white, or purple center — color intensifies with cold
• Peak ornamental display in fall and winter when other plants have faded
• Cold-hardy; persists through mild winters into early spring
• Excellent in flower beds, borders, and containers as a seasonal focal point
• Edible — mild flavor suitable for culinary use

Growing Guide

Starting indoors (recommended): Start seeds in cell packs 4–6 weeks before transplanting outdoors. Sow ¼ inch deep. After germination, grow seedlings at 60°F (16°C) for 3–4 weeks. Harden off for one week before planting out. Set plants outside several weeks before the first fall frost.

Direct sowing: Sow 3 months before expected fall frost; 2 seeds per hole, 6 inches apart, ¼ inch deep. Thin to one plant per hole.

Timing note: Do not start too early in warm weather — sowing too soon delays color development. Start seeds 6–10 weeks before the first anticipated frost for optimal timing.

Site and soil: Full sun; moist, well-drained soil. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer several times during the display period. Keep soil moist during germination.

Planting Specs

• Type: Annual (cool-season)
• Height: 12–18 inches (typical)
• Display season: Fall through early spring
• Color: Pink, white, or purple center with green outer leaves
• Light: Full sun
• Soil: Moist, well-drained
• Planting depth: ¼ inch (transplant) | ⅛ inch (direct spacing rows)
• Row spacing: 18–24 inches between rows; 6 inches between plants