Kale is a versatile and excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can provide numerous health benefits. It’s high in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin K, and is a nutrient-rich of calcium, iron, and dietary fiber. Also, it is easy to grow and harvest in a home garden. With so many different varieties available, it can be challenging to choose the best type for your particular needs. Here are some of the top kale varieties to consider adding to your garden.
By choosing the right kale varieties and providing them with the proper care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of fresh, nutritious greens right from your own backyard. So whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting, consider adding some of these best kale varieties to your garden and enjoy the benefits of having fresh, healthy greens at your fingertips all year round!
#1 Redbor Kale / Purple Kale (Brassica oleracea ‘Redbore’)
Source: plants.chaletnursery
Redbor kale is a purple-red leafy vegetable with ruffled leaves that have a flavor similar to cabbage, and it can be consumed raw or cooked. In addition, it can serve as a wonderful decorative plant.
#2 Red Russian Kale (Brassica oleracea var, vindis)
Source: wcs4
The light green leaves of the red-stemmed plant are broad-toothed and soft, and they turn dark green when cooked. This vegetable is an ideal addition to salads and is rich in calcium and Vitamin C.
#3 Ornamental Kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephata)
Source: homedepot
In addition to being used in salads, this plant can be cultivated solely for its aesthetic appeal. Its large rosettes, which come in shades of pink, red, purple, or white, are truly magnificent to behold.
#4 Chinese Kale / Gai Lan (Brassica oleracea var. alboglabra)
Source: cabidigitallibrary
With its flat leaves and a small flower, this vegetable is frequently used as a broccoli substitute due to its similar taste and texture. It is particularly delicious when cooked.
#5 Siberian Kale (Brassica napus ‘Siberian’)
Source: fullcircleseeds
The leaves of Siberian kale have a rubbery texture, and its yellow flowers are rich in oil. Despite its name, this plant is more closely related to turnips than kale and has a mild flavor.
#6 Lacinato Kale (Brassica oleracea ‘Lacinato.’)
Source: gardenerspath
Known by several names, including dinosaur kale, lacinato kale, and black kale, Tuscan kale has large, deep-green leaves with a chewy texture and a rich, earthy flavor.
#7 Vates Blue Curled Scotch Kale (Brassica ‘Vates Blue Curled’)
Source: sandiegoseedcompany
This kale is characterized by its dark green, extremely curly leaves, which are not only tasty but also high in vitamin A, calcium, and dietary fiber.
#8 Curly Kale (Brassica oleracea var. sabellica)
Source: bonnieplants
The most widely available variety of kale is curly kale, which is recognizable by its bright green, curly leaves. Its flavor is reminiscent of cabbage with a peppery kick, though it can become unpleasantly bitter if overcooked.
#9 Scarlet Kale (Brassica oleracea ‘Scarlet’)
Source: gardenguide4all
With its frilly, curly leaves and reddish-purple hue, Scarlet Kale has a slightly peppery flavor that is also quite sweet. It is best enjoyed raw.
