You may not have heard of kalettes, but they are a fantastic winter vegetable that has surged in popularity in recent years. The plant produces a tall stem that is covered in small florets of purple and green crinkly green kale leaves, which are harvested whole.
Kalettes are a simple and attractive vegetables to grow. They also produce long harvests for many months. I grew and harvested kalettes for chefs, who used them as an alternative to Brussels sprouts during the winter.
When you are planning what vegetables to plant this coming year, why not consider kalettes? This new and exciting crop offers lots of benefits, both in the garden and to the grower - as the florets are full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
(Image credit: Getty Images/brebca)
What are kalettes?
Kalettes have been specially bred as a cross between kale and Brussels sprouts. Also often called ‘flower sprouts’ the plants produce tall stalks covered in rosettes of tightly-packed frilly florets of kale leaves.
The plants look stunning and can be harvested through winter, as the hardy vegetables can overwinter outside in the kitchen garden without any issue.
When to grow kalettes
Kalettes (Kale Sprouts)
If you enjoy the flavors of both kale and Brussels sprouts, you&#;re in for a treat with kalettes (Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera). Kalettes, also known as kale sprouts or flower sprouts, are a unique vegetable that combines the best qualities of these two favorites. With their vibrant colors and delightful taste, kalettes are a fantastic addition to your garden. In this article, we will guide you through the process of growing kalettes in your garden, from planting to harvesting, so you can enjoy the delightful fusion of flavors that these mini cabbages offer.
Planting Schedules for Location: Kremenchuk, Poltavs'ka Oblast'
Sow Depth: 1 cm
Spacing Between Rows: 75 cm
Spacing Along Row: 60 cm
Number plants per Square Foot: 1
Photo: Euronaut, Wikimedia Commons
By Larry Hodgson
Kalettes. They’ve been around for a few years now, but suddenly seemed to have hit their stride last fall, at least where I live, when they were everywhere in local supermarkets in November. Little flowerlike rosettes of crinkly green kale with purple highlights, about 2 in (5 cm) in diameter, cute as a button and just what you need for a tiny personal salad or a side dish.
I received several emails about them. In general, people either wanted to know what they were or how to grow your own, so let’s look at both aspects.
What Is a Kalette?
The name Kalette® is actually a registered name with Tozer Seeds of Great Britain.
Some 20 years ago, hybridizers working for Tozer decided to cross Brussels sprouts with curly kale. Both are variants of cabbage (Brassica oleracea), so that cross presented no problem*. Then about a decade was invested in further crosses and selections, eventually developing the kalette, a tiny kale borne on the tall, thick, upright stem of the large-leaved mother plant, exactly as Brussels sprouts are produced. The difference is that, instead of a little round button of a cabbage (Brussels spr
It’s the time of year when dozens of British brassicas are just coming into their best. And whilst you may know much about the run of the mill varieties — think red and white cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli — there are also many more specialist varieties that deserve a bit more of the limelight. One of which is kalettes.
What are kalettes?
Initially named ‘flowersprouts’, kalettes (pronounced ‘kale-ets’) are a member of the brassica family.
They’re actually a hybrid combination of kale and Brussels sprouts. They take their name from kale, with the ‘ette’ representing the small size of the vegetable.
They’re a mini, sprout-sized leafy vegetable that almost looks like a miniature cabbage. They have a deep green and vibrant purple colouring. Their leaves aren’t as densely packed as on a sprout, with a more ruffled look.
They were initially developed by the British seed house Tozer Seeds, located in Surrey. But kalettes are now harvested across the UK, as they are well suited to growing in cooler climates.
They’re sweeter in flavour than Brussel’s sprouts, which for many can make them a much more appealing alternative.
High in vitamin C and K, kalettes have become popu