Kamome Bright Ornamental Kale Live Starter Plants

Add decorative foliage to cool-season beds and patio containers with Kamome Bright ornamental kale live starter plants. These young plants are intended for transplanting and growing on, giving you a head start compared with sowing seed.

Color selections

Selections offered are Red, White, Pink, and Mixed. Mixed is a color assortment; equal proportions or every color in each pack are not guaranteed. The number of plants included is determined by the selected pack, not by the number of colors named.

What to expect

You are ordering live starter plants, not seeds or full-size decorative plants. Young plants may be predominantly green on arrival. Ornamental center color develops with maturity and cool growing conditions, so arrival color and size may differ from mature display photographs.

Unpacking and settling in

Unpack promptly and check the root area for moisture. Water gently if dry, allowing excess water to drain. Place in a sheltered, bright location while plants recover from shipping. Gradually introduce stronger sunlight and outdoor exposure over several days rather than placing plants immediately in hot sun or severe cold.

Transplanting

Choose a sunny site with fertile, well-drained soil. Plant at the same depth as the existing root ball, keeping the growing center above the soil surface. Firm gently and water thoroughly. Allow room for each rosette to expand rather than crowding the starters together.

Watering and feeding

Keep soil evenly moist during establishment without leaving roots waterlogged. Water near soil level where practical. Feed according to a balanced fertilizer label and the needs of the planting. Remove damaged outer leaves gently and check regularly for caterpillars, aphids, and other brassica pests.

Container care

Use a pot with drainage holes and fresh, well-drained potting mix. Choose a container large enough for the plants to mature, not merely fit at starter size. Check moisture frequently and do not leave pots standing in water. Gradually acclimated plants are better prepared for outdoor conditions than newly unpacked starters.

Seasonal display

Grow for decorative foliage in cool weather. Warm conditions may limit color development, while severe freezing can damage plants. Protection needs vary with local weather and whether plants are in the ground or exposed containers. Plants that survive into warmer weather may send up flower stalks and lose their compact display.

Ornamental use

These plants are sold for ornamental use, not as culinary kale. Do not assume an ornamental nursery plant has been grown with food-crop treatments. Keep plant-care products away from children and pets and follow their label directions.