Kale

SEASONALITY
➜ Available Most of the Year
➜ Peak Fall–Winter (Oct–Dec)

DESIGN TYPE
➜ Focal Flower, Texture Flower

VASE LIFE
➜ Long-Lasting

BLOOM SIZE
➜ Variety Dependent
➜ 4–10in+

STEM LENGTH
➜ 30–60cm

➜ Ornamental kale can comfortably remain dry-packed in the cooler for up to 2 days before processing, though conditioning upon arrival is recommended for the freshest appearance

➜ Recut stems at a sharp angle before conditioning in deep buckets with fresh water

➜ Allow 4–6 hours of hydration before designing to ensure stem and bloom firmness

➜ Kale performs beautifully in both fresh water arrangements and properly saturated floral foam

➜ Gently remove any bruised or yellowing outer leaves during processing—the center of the bloom is the star of the show

➜ Keep kale cool throughout storage and transport—it thrives in lower temperatures and is one of the best performers during chilly weather

➜ If using kale outdoors, it's happiest in cool fall and winter conditions and will typically outlast many traditional flowers

➜ Support larger heads while transporting finished arrangements so heavy blooms don't shift or loosen in the design

➜ Refresh the water and trim stems regularly during extended events, as the thick stems continue drinking steadily throughout their vase life

POSITIVES ➜
♡ Unique texture
♡ Excellent longevity
♡ Strong seasonal appeal
♡ Memorable focal element

NEGATIVES ➜
✗ Not everyone immediately understands the vision
✗ Large heads require design space
✗ Can be difficult to photograph accurately
✗ Is technically a vegetable and never lets anyone forget it

Is this really kale?
➜ It is! Ornamental kale is a specially bred variety grown for its colorful rosettes rather than for eating
➜ While it's related to edible kale, it's selected for beauty instead of flavor

Why are the outer leaves damaged?
➜ The outer leaves naturally protect the center during growing and shipping—florists routinely remove a few outer leaves while processing to reveal the freshest, most colorful center

Can ornamental kale stay boxed overnight?
➜ Absolutely—it's one of the hardiest cool-season products in the floral cooler and handles overnight dry storage very well

Is kale a good choice for outdoor weddings?
➜ In cool weather, it's one of our favorites—kale loves crisp autumn temperatures and often performs better than many traditional flowers during fall events
➜ For hot summer celebrations, we'd recommend thinking about a second choice or backup option

Can kale be used in floral foam?
➜ Yes—its sturdy stems hold securely in properly saturated floral foam, making it an excellent focal flower for centerpieces and event work

Why does one stem seem so large?
➜ That's one of kale's biggest advantages—a single stem creates substantial visual impact, making it an excellent value when you need fullness with fewer flowers

Is ornamental kale beginner-friendly?
➜ Definitely—it's one of the more forgiving focal flowers available, especially for fall and winter designs, thanks to its durability and excellent vase life

☆ Incredible texture and focal value
☆ Excellent for fall and winter designs
☆ Creates unique seasonal interest
☆ Long-lasting and dependable
☆ Always becomes a conversation starter

☆ Dahlias
☆ Hypericum
☆ Amaranthus
☆ Roses
☆ Seeded Eucalyptus
☆ Huckleberry
☆ Birch Branches

☆ Ornamental kale is a member of the cabbage family and is grown specifically for its colorful, layered rosettes rather than as a food crop

☆ Cool temperatures intensify kale's vibrant pink, purple, cream, and green coloring, which is why it becomes a signature flower of the fall and winter floral season

☆ Florists love ornamental kale because a single stem delivers the visual impact of several traditional focal flowers while offering exceptional durability and cold-weather performance