Planting Flowering Kale in Winter in North Texas

Flowering Kale may not be considered an actual flower, but it does rank fifth among the winter "flowers" of North Texas. This cousin to the edible flowering kale is very showing in border gardens across North Texas and further south. Driving through Oklahoma on into Texas you will also find it growing there, too. Flowering kale can be found in just about anyone's yard no matter how affluent they are or not. This showy plant is a must have for winter gardens.

One of the great things about having flowering kale in your garden is that it accentuates the flora around it. Not only does it add texture, but a sense of depth to your garden will be achieved. Nasturtium and radishes are good complimentary plants to Flowering Kale because of their differentiating leaves and growth. Yes, some gardeners grow radishes just for their appearance. Although radishes and Nasturtium are edible, not all varieties of flowering kale are edible. Check with your local nursery to make sure you have the right kind.

Many businesses in North Texas that have small bedding areas for plants to grow will normally opt for maintenance free gardens. Flowering kale is not maintenance free, but with the proper care they are easier to grow than most of the other winter flowers. A regular check of aphids and ant beds will aid in protecting them. Corn meal is a deterrent to ants, which is catching on in North Texas will all the variety of ants that abound.

Homeowners who are growing flowering kale will find so many ways to incorporate it into their gardens. Since this plant is not so picky about where it grows, you can find it in rock gardens and grassy burms. Kale is a full-sun plant. It will do better in North Texas with partial sun since direct sun tends to scorch it. Having a timed watering system to keep it cool is a plus for this cool climate plant.

Flowering kale can be bought as potted plants or seeds. Seedlings will appear within 10 to 14 days with full-sun and proper watering. Kale is best planted in non-traffic areas of a garden, as they can easily be broken off of their stems. This is also a good reason not to plant winding ground cover around them because they would eventually be choked out. Flowering Kale is a delightful adornment to almost any garden in North Texas.