Abyssinian Kale
Crambe abyssinica
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Pl. 4EB2 — Crambe abyssinica
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IOverview
Overview
Abyssinian Kale (Crambe abyssinica) is a hardy annual native to the highlands of Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zaïre, with an extended range that includes Albania and Cyprus. This plant grows up to 1 meter in height and spreads to about 0.6 meters wide, thriving in moist, light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soil with a pH of 7.5–8. Known for its edible leaves, Abyssinian Kale is a valuable addition to the diet in its native regions. One distinctive feature sets it apart: its light, airy form that can reach up to 10-12 on the hardiness scale, making it well-suited for cooler climates.
Quick answers
What is Abyssinian Kale?
Abyssinian Kale (Crambe abyssinica) is a hardy annual native to the highlands of Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zaïre, with an extended range that includes Albania and Cyprus. This plant grows up to 1 meter in height and spreads to about 0.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Abyssinian Kale thrives in moist conditions and prefers light to heavy soils with a pH of 7.5–8. It requires full sun or partial shade and is hardy in temperate regions. For cultivation, use well-draining soil that can be sandy, medium, or clay-based. Water consistently to maintain moisture levels. Propagate through seeds sown directly into the garden bed after all danger of frost has passed. The plant grows up to 1 meter tall and 0.6 meters wide, making it suitable for both large and small gardens.
Light
9/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-12
Life cycle
Annual
Mature size
1 m × 0.6 m
Soil pH
7.5–8
For first-time growers
How to grow Abyssinian Kale for the first time
8steps
Abyssinian Kale is a hardy annual that's easy for beginners to grow, making it an excellent choice for your first gardening project.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings, a garden fork, compost, and a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in late spring after the last frost, when temperatures are consistently above 10°C (50°F).
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Amend the soil with compost if necessary.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 2-3 cm deep, spacing them about 30 cm apart in rows 60 cm apart. Alternatively, start seeds indoors and transplant seedlings after they have two sets of true leaves.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist during germination. Thin plants to the recommended spacing once they are established.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially in dry spells. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune any yellowing leaves to encourage new growth. Harvest outer leaves as needed, leaving inner leaves for continued growth.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too early in cold soil, and not providing enough sunlight are common pitfalls.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible uses: Oil
Other uses:Biomassoil
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
17 native · 4 introduced
Distribution
17 native · 4 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 17 native· 4 introduced
Europe6 regions
native (5)AlbaniaCyprusGreecePortugalSpain
introduced (1)Russia
Asia3 regions
native (3)IranPalestineTurkey
Africa6 regions
native (6)EthiopiaKenyaMoroccoRwandaTanzaniaUganda
Broader regions
native:Yugoslavia, Zaïre, Lebanon-Syria
introduced:KwaZulu-Natal, Czechoslovakia, Western Australia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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