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Kale is a popular leafy green that can be used cooked or in salads. It is also used as an ornamental plant in fall gardens. Historically, coarser types have been used as animal fodder.

Latin Name

Brassica oleracea (Acephala)


Family

Brassicaceae


Type of Plant

Annuals Annuals
Vegetables Vegetables

Seasons

Fall Fall
Winter Winter

Specifications

Max height Max Height: 2'
Max spread Max Spread: 1.5'

Uses

  • Vegetable
  • Edible

  • Sunlight Exposure

    Full Sun Full Sun

    Colors


    History

    George Washington received "kail" seeds from Tobias Lear sent from Glasgow, Scotland in 1794.


    Planted at Mount Vernon

    Planted at Mount Vernon Pioneer Farm Fruit Garden & Nursery Upper Garden Lower Garden

  • Pioneer Farm
  • Fruit Garden & Nursery
  • Upper Garden
  • Lower Garden

  • Hardiness Zones

    USDA basemap

    Average annual extreme minimum temperature 1976-2005

    map legend

    Bartlett Tree Expert Company has been working with Mount Vernon Estate since 2011 providing expert arboricultural care and GPS mapping for the estate’s historic trees, as well as support from their research facility.   Mount Vernon is proud to partner with Bartlett Tree Experts and appreciates their sponsorship of George Washington’s Mount Vernon Plant Finder App.

    Bring Washington's Garden Home

    Purchase our historic seeds, collected from plants grown at Mount Vernon and plant them in your own garden.

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