I know this is a late response to an old post but here we go anyhow. I grow three varieties of perennial kale; Kosmic Kale, Perennial Tree Collards (not perennial in my zone), and Sea Kale. I have to say that I am always surprised when someone say's they are not sure about growing a perennial variety of a plant. If it were up to me I would grow only perennial varieties of plants as they are more stable once established and are better adapted meaning they require less work.
Hi
@jasonvivier , Really Interesting post. I am just over the border in VT (zone 4b). I grow sea kale, scorzonera, good King Henry and am planning to start hablitzia. I bought a kosmic kale but was thinking of growing it in a large pot and overwintering in the garage but maybe I'll put it in the ground instead.
My main question though is what you see as the benefit of a perennial kale as opposed to starting seeds in the summer, planting in the fall and overwintering in the garden. Do ghe perennials that overwinter grow larger faster than ordinary kale that has overwintered? Yes you avoid having to start new plants but if you're having to root cuttings anyway, ...
Now if they really are immune to cabbage worms then that's an obvious benefit.
You've piqued my curiosity re perennial tree collards. I'm going to have to look into it.
. It is a large leaf Guy Lon. Supposed to be a warm season variety and I think it performed that way for me the one time I tried it. It is a Brassica oleracea kale.
