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Kalettes

Brassica oleracea Gemmifera group

INTRODUCTION

Kalettes started their life being known as Flower Sprouts but that name just wasn't making it. However, Kalettes are now very well known and are available in three distinct varieties.

British bred by Tozers, Kalettes are produced in exactly the same way as Brussels Sprouts.

This crop is a useful addition to any winter veg plot and is very undermining but incredibly rewarding. Go on, give them a try this season!

Soil Preparation

Kalettes prefer a fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil. The growing area should be sunny but sheltered from strong winds.

The addition of garden lime may be required to maintain a soil pH of around 6.5.

Ensure the growing area is prepared well in advance of planting as Kalettes require well-settled soil.

Sowing & Planting

Kalettes can be sown directly into a seedbed for later transplanting but a better method of raising plants is to sow into modules or seed trays.

Sow seed from March (early varieties) through to April (late varieties) into your chosen container and cover to a depth of approx 0.5cm.

Keep at a temperature of between 5c and 15c. When seedlings are large enough to handle, transfer into a larger container. A 9cm pot is ideal.

Gradually harden plants off before planting. Planting out should be during May, weather permitting, at a spacing of 60cm/24inches between plants and between rows.

Ensure plants are deep enough and well firmed in, they dislike loose soil.

Do not allow sowing temperatures to rise above 25oc, Brassica seed can go into dormancy at high temperatures.

Growing & General Cultivation

After planting, water well. Once established Kalettes require minimal watering except during drought conditions. Protect establishing plants with netting to guard against attack from pigeons.

Keep growing crops weed-free and stake plants as they grow especially on exposed sites as plant toppling can be a problem with vigorous varieties.

Feed once during the growing season and mulch plants if possible.

Removal of the growing tip during the autumn can encourage a more even harvest. This growing tip or 'tops' can also be cooked and eaten as you would with cabbage.

Try and avoid growing Kalettes or any other Brassica plant type on the same ground the following year. Crop rotation is an important factor in helping to protect against disease.

Pests & Diseases

Kalettes tend to suffer from all common pests and diseases associated with other Brassicas.

Slugs and Snails can be a problem for young plants - for remedies - see product directory.

Other pests can include Caterpillars (cabbage white). Eggs will appear on the underside of leaves during summer and can be removed by hand. Caterpillars will devastate crops within days if left uncontrolled. Chemical control is available - see product directory.

Cabbage Whitefly (not to be confused with greenhouse whitefly) can be unsightly but shouldn't affect cropping potential.

Diseases can include, Downy mildew which shows as yellow patches on foliage and affected leaves should be removed. To prevent, ensure good air circulation and low humidity. Powdery Mildew is a white powdery deposit that can cover stems and foliage. It is usually associated with dry weather and to prevent, avoid plants from drying out. Remove affected foliage as needed or in severe outbreaks, use a suitable fungicide - see product directory

Clubroot, a soil-borne fungal disease, can affect Kalettes which causes swelling and distortion of roots. It results in poor plant growth and subsequent loss of harvest. Avoid using ground previously used for brassica crops and ensure correct soil pH (6.5). Add garden lime as required.

Harvesting

Harvesting can begin in autumn using the earlier varieties. The Kalettes are ready when large enough to handle, no need to wait until they are overgrown.

Kalettes mature from the bottom of the stem and each plant can crop for several weeks, simply snap off as required.

Using all three available varieties, harvesting can continue through autumn and winter.