Brassica oleracea 'Vates', Vates Kale
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Vegetables

Brassica oleracea 'Vates'

Vates Kale

BrassicaceaeMediterranean

At a Glance

Typeannual
Habitcompact rosette
Foliagedeciduous
Height12-16 inches
Width12-15 inches

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

2a - 10b
Zone 2a
Zone 2b
Zone 3a
Zone 3b
Zone 4a
Zone 4b
Zone 5a
Zone 5b
Zone 6a
Zone 6b
Zone 7a
Zone 7b
Zone 8a
Zone 8b
Zone 9a
Zone 9b
Zone 10a
Zone 10b
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Deer Resistant
Container Friendly
Maintenancemoderate

Overview

Brassica oleracea 'Vates' is a remarkably compact kale cultivar that has earned recognition for its distinctive dwarf growth habit and exceptional cold hardiness. This hardy leafy green forms tight, dense rosettes that typically remain under 16 inches in both height and spread, making it perfectly suited for small gardens, container cultivation, and intensive growing systems. The plant produces an abundance of deeply curled, blue-green leaves with thick, fleshy texture and prominent white midribs that create striking visual contrast against the heavily savoyed foliage. The leaves of Brassica oleracea 'Vates' display a uniquely ornamental quality with their intensely ruffled margins and deeply cut edges that curl tightly, creating an almost frilly appearance. Each leaf emerges from the central crown in a symmetrical rosette pattern, with the blue-green coloration becoming more pronounced and developing purple undertones when exposed to cool autumn and winter temperatures. Unlike taller kale varieties that can become leggy or bolt prematurely in warm weather, Brassica oleracea 'Vates' maintains its compact, uniform appearance throughout the growing season while continuously producing tender, flavorful leaves that become notably sweeter and more succulent after frost exposure.

Native Range

Brassica oleracea originates from the coastal regions of the Mediterranean basin and western Europe, where wild forms can still be found growing naturally on rocky cliffs and maritime environments from Spain and Portugal through France and extending to the British Isles. The species has been cultivated for over 2,000 years, with ancient civilizations developing various forms through selective breeding. The 'Vates' cultivar specifically was developed in the United States during the mid-20th century through dedicated breeding programs aimed at creating a more compact, cold-hardy variety suitable for modern small-space gardening and commercial production.

Suggested Uses

Brassica oleracea 'Vates' excels in small-space vegetable gardens, raised beds, and container growing due to its compact size, high productivity, and attractive appearance. The densely ruffled foliage makes it suitable for ornamental edible landscapes, functioning beautifully as a border plant in mixed gardens or as a colorful accent in flower beds. This cultivar is ideal for succession planting every 2-3 weeks to ensure continuous harvests throughout the growing season, and performs exceptionally well in intensive growing systems, urban gardening applications, and hydroponic setups. The tender, nutrient-dense leaves are perfect for fresh salads, green smoothies, hearty soups, stir-fries, and traditional cooked preparations, while the compact plants are excellent for extending the growing season in cold frames, hoop houses, or unheated greenhouses during winter months.

How to Identify

Brassica oleracea 'Vates' is easily distinguished by its exceptionally compact, dwarf stature that rarely exceeds 12-16 inches in height, forming dense rosettes of heavily curled, blue-green leaves. The foliage is notably more savoyed and tightly ruffled than standard kale varieties, with thick, sturdy leaves featuring prominent white midribs and deeply serrated, frilly margins that curl dramatically at the edges. Unlike taller kale cultivars that develop elongated central stems and can become leggy, Brassica oleracea 'Vates' maintains a low, spreading form with leaves that emerge directly from a compact central crown, creating an almost ornamental appearance that intensifies in color during cool weather, shifting from blue-green to deeper purple-tinged hues.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 1'4"
Width/Spread1' - 1'3"

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow

Foliage Colors

blue
green
purple

Fall Foliage Colors

purple

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
SpringSummer
Late spring to early summer if allowed to bolt in second year

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Bright yellow

Foliage Description

Blue-green with prominent white midribs, developing purple undertones in cool weather

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Partial Shade
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loam
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

moderate, requiring consistent moisture

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

55-65 days

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Brassica oleracea 'Vates' thrives in fertile, well-draining soil that has been amended with plenty of organic matter and compost, requiring consistent moisture throughout the growing season to produce the most tender and flavorful leaves. Water regularly to maintain even soil moisture, as drought stress can cause leaves to become bitter and develop a tough, unpalatable texture. Apply a balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks or side-dress with compost monthly to support continuous leaf production and maintain vigorous growth. This exceptionally cold-hardy cultivar performs optimally in cool temperatures between 60-70°F and can withstand freezing temperatures down to 20°F, making it excellent for fall and winter harvests when most other vegetables fail. In hot summer climates, provide afternoon shade and increase watering frequency to prevent premature bolting, and maintain a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around plants to retain soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.

Pruning

Brassica oleracea 'Vates' benefits from regular harvesting using the cut-and-come-again method rather than traditional pruning techniques. Begin harvesting outer leaves when they reach 4-6 inches in length, cutting them cleanly at the base with sharp scissors or a knife while carefully preserving the central growing point to ensure continued production. This harvesting approach encourages the development of new tender leaves throughout the growing season and can extend productivity for several months. Remove any yellowing, damaged, or pest-affected leaves promptly to maintain plant health, improve air circulation, and prevent disease issues. If flower stalks begin to emerge, pinch them off immediately to keep leaves tender and prevent the plant from going to seed, though in cold climates you may choose to allow some plants to overwinter and flower for seed collection the following spring.

Maintenance Level

moderate

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 3 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Brassica oleracea 'Vates' is completely safe and highly nutritious for human consumption, being rich in vitamins A, C, and K, along with essential minerals like calcium, iron, and powerful antioxidants including beta-carotene and lutein. Like other brassica vegetables, it contains natural compounds called goitrogens that may interfere with thyroid function if consumed in extremely large quantities, particularly when raw, but normal culinary use poses no health risks for most people. The plant is generally safe around pets, though large quantities may cause mild digestive upset in dogs and cats due to the high fiber content. All parts of the plant are edible when properly prepared, with no toxic compounds present, making it an excellent choice for households with children and pets.

Planting Guide

Planting Methods & Timing

Planting Method

direct sow

Indoor Start

4 weeks before last frost

Direct Sow Timing

early spring through late summer

Days to Maturity

55–65 days

Plant Spacing

12 inches

Companion Planting

Good Companions

carrots
onions
beets
radishes
herbs
lettuce

Avoid Planting With

tomatoes
peppers
strawberries
pole beans