What are the sun requirements for Brassica oleracea 'Winterbor'?

Brassica oleracea 'Winterbor' requires Full Sun.

How much water does Brassica oleracea 'Winterbor' need?

Brassica oleracea 'Winterbor' has Medium water needs.

Brassica oleracea 'Winterbor', Winterbor Kale

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Vegetables

Brassica oleracea 'Winterbor'

Winterbor Kale

Brassicaceae

F1 hybrid cultivar (Dutch breeding program); the species B. oleracea is native to Mediterranean and Atlantic coastal Europe

At a Glance

TypeAnnual

HabitMounding

FoliageDeciduous

Height12-18 inches (30-45 cm)

Width12-15 inches (30-38 cm)

Maturity1 years

Key Features

Container Friendly

Maintenancelow

Overview

Brassica oleracea 'Winterbor' is Winterbor kale (Winterbor curly kale), a cool-season annual forming a compact mounding rosette 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) tall and 12-15 inches (30-38 cm) wide. Deeply curled tightly ruffled blue-green leaves 6-10 inches (15-25 cm) with prominent white midribs and veining — the tightest ruffling among common kale cultivars. In the mustard family (Brassicaceae). An F1 hybrid (Dutch breeding program) — seed does not produce true to type. The most cold-hardy kale cultivar commonly available: withstands temperatures to 10°F (-12°C) and maintains structure through snow and hard frost. The flavor and tenderness improve markedly after frost exposure. Cool-season crop: bolts in sustained heat. The tightly curled leaves trap soil and insects more readily than flat-leaved types such as Lacinato — wash thoroughly before eating. Sow early spring through late summer. Harvest outer leaves by cut-and-come-again starting at 30 days; full-size at 60-75 days. Contains goitrogens (reduced by cooking). Cabbage worms (Pieris rapae), aphids, and flea beetles are the primary pests. Not deer-resistant. Non-toxic (edible crop). Full sun to partial shade. Annual. Growth rate is moderate.

Native Range

F1 hybrid cultivar from a Dutch breeding program. The species B. oleracea is native to Mediterranean and Atlantic coastal Europe.

Suggested Uses

Grown in vegetable gardens, raised beds, and containers of at least 5 gallons (19 L). The most cold-hardy kale (to 10 degrees F / -12 degrees C). F1 hybrid. Compact rosette. Not deer-resistant. Non-toxic. Annual.

How to Identify

Identified by deeply curled tightly ruffled blue-green leaves with prominent white midribs and veining in a compact mounding rosette. The tight curling distinguishes Winterbor from flat-leaved Lacinato and from the looser curls of 'Vates' or 'Scotch' types. In Brassicaceae.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 1'6"

Width/Spread1' - 1'3"

Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~6 weeks

Spring

Bolts in the second year or in sustained heat — yellow 4-petaled cruciform flowers. Bolting makes leaves bitter. Flowering is undesirable. Pinch flower buds.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Yellow, 4-petaled (cruciform), in terminal clusters when bolting

Foliage Description

Blue-green with prominent white midribs and veining; deeply curled and tightly ruffled (frilled); 6-10 inches (15-25 cm)

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun Partial Shade

Requires 4-10 hours of direct sunlight daily

• 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 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

60-75 days from seed to full-size leaf; 30 days for baby leaf

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Full sun to partial shade. Rich well-drained soil pH 6.0-7.5. Cool-season crop. Hardy to 10 degrees F (-12 degrees C). Flavor improves after frost. F1 hybrid — cannot save true seed. Tightly curled leaves trap soil — wash thoroughly. Cabbage worms, aphids, flea beetles. Contains goitrogens. Not deer-resistant. Non-toxic. Annual.

Pruning

Harvest outer leaves by cut-and-come-again starting at 30 days. Leave the central growing point intact. Remove bolting stalks and flower buds. Remove yellowed or pest-damaged leaves.