Marrow-Stem Kale (Brassica oleracea medullosa)

Family: Brassicaceae or Cruciferae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

Brassica oleracea medullosa is a BIENNIAL/PERENNIAL growing to 0.9 m (3ft). It is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to August, and the seeds ripen from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Shoots

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavour, they are delicious if used when fairly young though they can become tough with age. — Leaves - raw or cooked.; A strong cabbage flavour, they are delicious if used when fairly young though they can become tough with age.; The leaves are usually available from autumn to late spring, and can be harvested all through the winter in all but the very coldest of seasons.; Young flowering shoots - raw or cooked.

Habitat & North American Range

Not known in the wild. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)