Daubentons x Cavolo Nero perennial kale
This hybrid is currently available as F2 seeds from a cross of Daubentons variegated kale and Cavolo Nero. The F1 parent was selected from a batch of several hundred seeds due to having the most 'Cavolo Nero type' traits. It flowered in its second year (2022) and when cut back after flowering, it reverted to vegetative growth. Cuttings were taken and successfully rooted and although these also eventually flowered, they in turn regenerated and allowed cuttings to be taken. The original mother plant is now gone, but it survives through numerous cuttings which supply fine-tasting leaves.
Plants we have already grown from the F2 seeds display similar traits to the parent - fairly elongated leaves with characteristic puckering. From the F2 plants, we selected again for the most Cavolo nero type growth and kept several. All have flowered and regenerated and and cuttings have been taken and rooted.
Sowing and growing
Treat seeds as other brassicas: sow in spring - from mid-March under cover and from mid-April outdoors. Can be sown in trays or modules for later transplanting or directly in drills 1cm deep. Best in full sun, in well-drained, fertile and preferably alkaline soil, but will succeed in any reasonable soil.
Propagation
If you find a plant you like, you can take cuttings just as from other perennial kales, but you have to catch the plant as it is regenerating after flowering and seeding. The new growth usually appears on the stem, or low on the main branches. Try to use stems that are a little woody. Strip off all but the smallest top leaves and push the stems into compost.
Spring and autumn are the best times for taking cuttings, but it is possible at any time, if you have a greenhouse or cold frame.
Plants we have already grown from the F2 seeds display similar traits to the parent - fairly elongated leaves with characteristic puckering. From the F2 plants, we selected again for the most Cavolo nero type growth and kept several. All have flowered and regenerated and and cuttings have been taken and rooted.
Sowing and growing
Treat seeds as other brassicas: sow in spring - from mid-March under cover and from mid-April outdoors. Can be sown in trays or modules for later transplanting or directly in drills 1cm deep. Best in full sun, in well-drained, fertile and preferably alkaline soil, but will succeed in any reasonable soil.
Propagation
If you find a plant you like, you can take cuttings just as from other perennial kales, but you have to catch the plant as it is regenerating after flowering and seeding. The new growth usually appears on the stem, or low on the main branches. Try to use stems that are a little woody. Strip off all but the smallest top leaves and push the stems into compost.
Spring and autumn are the best times for taking cuttings, but it is possible at any time, if you have a greenhouse or cold frame.
