Crane Red Ornamental Kale is an F1 hybrid brassica that brings dramatic color to fall gardens and autumn arrangements. Growing 24-36 inches tall with a compact habit, this frost-hardy variety reaches full maturity in 90-110 days and thrives across hardiness zones 1-10. Its plum-centered leaves develop their richest coloring once temperatures drop below 50°F, making it a showstopper for late-season harvests and long-lasting cut arrangements.
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Moderate
1-10
36in H x ?in W
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Moderate
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Crane Red produces a stunning plum-centered head on a 24-inch stem, with color intensity that deepens dramatically as autumn cool arrives. The rich coloring and sturdy stem structure make it exceptionally popular for fall bouquets and decorative arrangements that hold their appeal for weeks. Unlike many ornamental varieties, this hybrid balances showy aesthetics with the hardiness to handle frost in nearly every North American growing zone.
This ornamental kale shines as a long-lasting cut flower for autumn arrangements and floral displays. The colorful heads work beautifully in mixed bouquets, harvest-themed decorations, and seasonal table arrangements where they maintain their vivid plum coloring for extended periods.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Sow seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before transplanting out. Maintain soil temperature between 65-75°F for germination. After seedlings emerge, transition them to cooler conditions around 60-70°F for 3-4 weeks to encourage sturdy growth before moving to the garden.
Transplant seedlings outdoors once they're established and conditions have stabilized. Space plants 4 inches apart. For maximum color development, time your transplanting so plants mature as temperatures drop below 50°F in fall.
Direct sow seeds approximately 3 months before expected fall or winter frost. Once seedlings reach 10-12 inches tall, remove lower leaves and repeat this process 3-4 times to encourage branching and full head development.
Harvest when plants have developed a 6-inch head on a 24-inch stem with good coloring. For cut flower use, harvest mature heads with the full stem intact; they'll continue to display deep plum coloring indoors. Allow temperatures to drop below 50°F before harvesting for the most vibrant color development.
When plants reach 10-12 inches tall, remove lower leaves and repeat this removal 3-4 times throughout the season to encourage upright growth and better head development on the main stem.
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