Redbor Kale

Redbor Kale (Brassica oleracea 'Redbor')

Redbor Kale is a cool-season foliage plant that brings dramatic purple color and tightly curled texture to fall, winter, and early spring plantings. It looks high-impact in beds and containers, and the color typically deepens as temperatures drop. The leaves are also edible, so it works as both ornamental interest and an edible landscape accent. If you want reliable cold-season presence that makes a garden look finished when summer plants fade, this is a strong choice.

Distinctive Features

Redbor forms an upright rosette to lightly branching clump of deeply curled leaves that range from dark purple to burgundy, sometimes showing green undertones depending on light and temperatures. Cool weather and light frost often intensify the color and can improve flavor for harvest. The texture is the standout feature, with ruffled foliage that adds volume and contrast without needing flowers. Plants are typically grown as a cool-season annual in most regions, reaching about 18 to 30 inches tall and about 12 to 18 inches wide.

Growing Conditions

• Sun: Full sun to partial shade, with stronger color and tighter growth in brighter light.
• Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil with organic matter, and avoid waterlogged conditions.
• Water: Moderate, keep evenly moist for best growth, especially in containers and during dry spells.
• USDA Zones: USDA Zones 7 to 11 for potential overwintering, and commonly grown as a cool-season annual elsewhere.
• Mature Size: About 18 to 30 inches tall and 12 to 18 inches wide.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Use as a focal point in fall and winter beds where the purple ruffled foliage can anchor the planting and carry color through cold weather.
• Containers: Plant in large pots for a bold, long-lasting cool-season display with strong texture.
• Edible Landscaping: Mix into ornamental beds where you can harvest leaves while keeping a polished look.
• Border Backdrop: Place behind smaller cool-season flowers to add height and a dark color contrast.
• Seasonal Color Blocks: Mass in groups to create a dramatic swath of purple that reads from a distance.

Low Maintenance Care

• Planting Timing: Plant in early fall for the longest show, or in early spring for cool-season growth before heat arrives.
• Watering: Water consistently to keep leaves full and tender, and avoid repeated drying, especially in containers.
• Feeding: Top-dress with compost or use a light balanced feed to support steady leaf production.
• Harvesting: Pick outer leaves as needed and leave the center growing point to keep plants producing.
• Cold Tolerance: Expect the best color and performance in cool weather, and protect in severe cold if you want the display to last longer.

Why Choose Redbor Kale?

• Cold-Season Impact: Delivers strong color and texture when many gardens are fading.
• Rich Purple Foliage: Curled leaves add depth and contrast that elevates nearby plants.
• Texture Without Flowers: Ruffled foliage creates a full, designed look on its own.
• Edible Bonus: Leaves can be harvested for the kitchen while the plant still looks ornamental.
• Container Friendly: Performs well in pots, making it easy to place where you need seasonal color.

For the best results, give Redbor Kale sun, consistent moisture, and cool temperatures, then let the foliage do the work. Plant it where you can enjoy the ruffled texture up close, and consider repeating it for a more intentional, structured look. As the season cools, the color often deepens, turning simple fall plantings into a bold, finished display.