Shetland kale

[sparrow100]

I am confused. I thought these were a kale (my definition: cut and come again leaves) but what I read on t'internet is that they are a cabbage.

Anyone able to shed any light?

If it's a cabbage I've been daft in cutting down on cavolo nero plants this year...

[bario1]

I've got some growing this year and it looks more like a kale than a cabbage to me. Are the leaves huge, flat, and tinged with purple?

[sparrow100]

Yep, they are, but I missed the bit in the HSL catalogue where it said it was a 'heading' kale. All the other internet stuff interchanges Shetland kale and cabbage. In my head cabbage is not cut & come again. Though it's tasty.

[bario1]

Hmm, you're right, it's classed as a 'loose heading' cabbage... does that mean the big outer leaves aren't good for eating?

[sparrow100]

I don't know. :S

VC WHERE ARE YOU?!! I know you'll know the answer!

[veggiechicken]

Nope, Sorry. I've no idea although I am growing it from HSL seeds too. It looks like PSB

[Snadger]

A loose leaved cabbage is surely a collard?

[sparrow100]

It does look really like PSB. I really hope it doesn't grow as tall though as my kale cage isn't the biggest.

Guess we'll all have to compare notes later in the season.

[Nicos]

Never heard of it!
But I did find this interesting article ...

https://books.google.fr/books?id=BqX...20kale&f=false

2 years?!

I want a plantie-crub now!...cos I love the name!

[sparrow100]

2 years??? It never said that on the packet!

So far mine seems to be fairly quick at growing - mebbe HSL has a speedy strain!

[Nicos]

Maybe 2 years for a full heart?
One of the articles I read said the heart was for humans and outer leaves for cattle...so the outer leaves must get tough.
I suppose as with any young plant, the outer leaves would be edible at this stage?

[Nicos]

I'd be tempted to take the odd outer leaf to eat before they toughen up and see what happens to the plant over a period of time?
Maybe leave a few to progress as normal, but 'pick and come again' type crop a sacrificial couple...just to see?

[bario1]

I'd be tempted to take the odd outer leaf to eat before they toughen up and see what happens to the plant over a period of time?
Maybe leave a few to progress as normal, but 'pick and come again' type crop a sacrificial couple...just to see?

Good idea, Nicos. I don't think I have a choice anyway, as they are rampant, outgrowing everything else in my kale bed - if the leaves aren't good to eat, they're coming out before they shade out all my Cavolo Nero. The leaves are already a couple of feet in diameter... I'll definitely keep one to see if it heads up though, even if it does take 2 years!

VC, this is your fault!!

[sparrow100]

Mine can't stay put where they are for 2 years. But if they are nice I'll find some proper room for them next year.

[veggiechicken]

Thanks for the warning bario.
I haven't planted mine out yet but I'll make sure they have plenty of head and shoulder room when I do!