Flowering kale Crane and Empire varieties with pink rosettes – premium cut flower kale stems for bouquets and floral arrangements.

Flowering Kale for Cut Flowers: Empire, Crane, and Beyond

The Rise of Flowering Kale in the Cut Flower Market

For decades, flowering kale was seen mainly as a fall and winter ornamental for landscapes and retail containers. But today, specialty cut flower growers and florists worldwide are embracing flowering kale as a premium bouquet crop.

Varieties like Flowering Cabbage Empire and Ornamental Kale Crane are bred specifically for tall, sturdy stems and rosette-like heads that resemble roses or peonies. Their stunning colors intensify in cool weather, and their unique textures bring something fresh to arrangements during the late fall and winter months when other flowers are scarce.

👉 Browse all Flowering Kale for Cut Flowers.
👉 Explore Flowering Kale Empire.
👉 Discover Ornamental Kale Crane.
👉 Shop All Bulk Seed Packs.
👉 See All Smaller Seed Packs.

Also, check out our companion article:
👉 Ornamental Kale: Cold-Season Beauty and Profitable Retail Favorite.

Why Grow Flowering Kale as a Cut Flower?

Cut flower kale offers both beauty and reliability for growers looking to extend their season:

  • Cold Tolerance: Kale thrives when temperatures drop, providing fresh stems when few other cut flowers are available.

  • Long Vase Life: With proper post-harvest care, flowering kale lasts up to 14 days.

  • High Market Value: Specialty stems often command premium prices at farmers’ markets and wholesale.

  • Unique Appeal: Their rosettes resemble roses, cabbages, or peonies, giving bouquets an unexpected flair.

Florists love them because they add volume, structure, and color depth that complements chrysanthemums, dahlias, roses, and winter greens.

Top Flowering Kale Varieties for Cut Flowers

1. Flowering Cabbage Empire

Empire varieties are known for their dense rosettes and thick stems, making them durable for shipping and arranging. They feature strong colors like purple, cream, and pink. Perfect for late-season wedding arrangements or large floral installations.

👉 Shop Flowering Cabbage Empire Seeds.

2. Ornamental Kale Crane Series

The Crane series produces tall stems with rose-like tops in shades of pink, white, and purple. Bred specifically for floristry, Cranes are a standard in the cut flower kale world. Their uniformity and long stems make them popular among wholesalers.

👉 Shop Ornamental Kale Crane Seeds.

3. Other Cut Flower Kale Types

Beyond Empire and Crane, new breeding has introduced varieties with frilly edges, two-tone coloring, and even variegated leaves. Specialty growers can mix multiple types for diverse bouquets.

How to Grow Flowering Kale for Cut Flowers

Step 1: Starting from Seed

  • Sow indoors 6–8 weeks before transplanting.

  • Use a well-draining seed-starting mix with pH 5.8–6.2.

  • Germination occurs in 5–7 days at 65–70°F.

👉 Shop Smaller Seed Packs for home gardeners or trial runs.

Step 2: Transplanting

  • Transplant seedlings when they have 2–3 true leaves.

  • Space plants 6–12 inches apart for strong stems.

  • For cut flowers, closer spacing produces taller stems with less branching.

Step 3: Growing Conditions

  • Light: Full sun is essential for color development.

  • Temperature: Cooler temperatures (40–55°F at night) enhance rosette coloring.

  • Fertilization: Use balanced fertilizer (150–200 ppm N) but avoid excessive nitrogen that leads to floppy growth.

Step 4: Harvesting

  • Harvest when rosettes are fully colored and well-formed.

  • Cut stems at the base, remove lower leaves, and hydrate immediately.

  • Stems may reach 24–36 inches depending on spacing and variety.

Post-Harvest Care for Long Vase Life

Proper post-harvest handling ensures kale’s reputation as a reliable cut flower:

  • Strip 2/3 of lower leaves to prevent decay in water.

  • Hydrate in clean buckets with flower preservative.

  • Store at 34–38°F for longest vase life.

  • Change water every 2 days to maintain freshness.

Florists appreciate flowering kale’s resilience — it remains crisp and vibrant long after harvest.

Marketing Flowering Kale Cut Flowers

Direct-to-Consumer Sales:

  • Farmers’ markets: Bundle stems in groups of 3–5.

  • Wedding florals: Market kale as “winter roses” for brides.

  • CSA bouquets: Extend the season with unique fillers.

Wholesale Markets:

  • Supply florists with uniform bunches.

  • Target winter holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas.

  • Position as a premium, specialty cut flower with unique textures.

👉 For larger planting programs, order from our Bulk Seed Packs.

Sustainability Benefits

  • Hardy & Resilient: Requires fewer inputs than many cut flowers.

  • Extended Season: Bridges the gap between summer and spring flowers.

  • Pest Resistance: Less prone to heavy pest pressure compared to edible kale.

  • Eco-Friendly: Long vase life reduces floral waste.

Linking Flowering Kale to Ornamental Kale for Retail

While this blog focuses on cut flower types, ornamental kale can also be grown in pots for retail. Pairing both markets creates a dual sales channel for growers:

  • Retail: Gallon pots of ornamental kale for garden centers.

  • Floral: Stems of cut flower kale for florists and markets.

For more on retail options, read our article:
👉 Ornamental Kale: Cold-Season Beauty and Profitable Retail Favorite.

FAQs: Flowering Kale for Cut Flowers

Q: What is the difference between ornamental kale and cut flower kale?
A: Ornamental kale is bred for compact rosettes in containers, while cut flower kale (like Empire and Crane) is bred for tall stems and rosette tops suited for bouquets.

Q: How long do flowering kale cut flowers last in a vase?
A: With proper care, kale can last up to 14 days in arrangements.

Q: When should I plant flowering kale for cut flowers?
A: Sow in mid- to late summer for harvest in fall and early winter when color is strongest.

Q: Do flowering kale cut flowers have a scent?
A: They have a mild, earthy scent, not strong or unpleasant. Some florists even appreciate the hint of freshness.

Q: Can flowering kale be used in wedding bouquets?
A: Yes, kale’s rosettes look like roses or peonies, making them popular in rustic, winter, and farmhouse-style weddings.

Conclusion: A Premium Niche Crop for Growers

Flowering kale varieties like Empire and Crane are no longer just garden ornaments — they are high-value specialty cut flowers. With strong stems, rose-like rosettes, and stunning cold-season colors, they fill a crucial niche for growers, florists, and consumers seeking unique floral material.

👉 Explore our full range of Flowering Kale for Cut Flowers.
👉 Shop Flowering Cabbage Empire.
👉 Find Ornamental Kale Crane Seeds.
👉 Bulk buyers: All Seed Packs.
👉 Home gardeners: All Smaller Seed Packs.

Flowering kale is more than a seasonal novelty — it’s a profitable, sustainable, and show-stopping crop that keeps bouquets vibrant well into the cold months.

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