Kale 'Red Monarch' (Brassica oleracea) – Hardy Red-Leaved Vegetable (12 Plants in 2 x 6-Cell Trays)

Red Monarch kale is a hardy, high-yielding curly kale with bold, frilled, deep red-purple leaves that look as good in the border as they taste in the kitchen. Grow this vegetable (Brassica oleracea) in a veg patch, raised bed, allotment or container for leaves you can pick from autumn through winter.

The leaves are slightly frilled and as ornamental as they are edible, which makes Red Monarch a popular choice for kitchen gardens. Kale stands outside through hard frost, and the leaves are said to taste better for it. It suits first-time growers and experienced vegetable gardeners alike, and the leaves work well in salads, stir-fries and general cooking.

You receive 12 plants, growing in 2 plastic trays of 6 cells, one plant to a cell. Plant them out in May or June in full sun or partial shade, in well-drained, fertile soil that is kept moist but never waterlogged. Choose a spot with shelter from strong winds, as the plants grow tall and top heavy. Water regularly and feed with a balanced liquid fertiliser every two weeks. Net against pigeons, which strip kale in winter.

Kale can cause skin irritation and may harm dogs and cats if eaten.

Cultural Information

• Common Name: Red Monarch Kale, Red Kale, Curly Kale
• Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea Acephala Group
• Fully Grown Height and Spread: Approx. 45-60cm tall and 40-50cm wide (variety dependent)
• Growth Habit: Upright, bushy leafy vegetable with frilled foliage
• Perfect For: Vegetable patches, raised beds, container gardening, allotments, kitchen gardens
• Foliage: Deep red-purple, frilled and curled leaves
• Planting Position: Full sun to partial shade, sheltered from strong winds
• Soil Type: Well-drained, fertile soil, kept moist but never waterlogged
• Hardiness: Hardy, stands outside through hard frost
• Seasonal Interest: Grows through summer and autumn, with leaves picked into winter
• Type: Hardy leafy vegetable