Biology:Kalette

From HandWiki
Short description: Edible cultivar, cross between kale and Brussels sprouts
Kalette
Kalettes on the stem and also picked - photo by Tozer Seeds
Kalettes on the stem and also picked - photo by Tozer Seeds[1]
GenusBrassica
SpeciesBrassica oleracea
Hybrid parentageKale/Brussels sprouts
Marketing namesLollipops
BreederTozer Seeds
OriginEngland

Kalettes (formerly known as Flower Sprouts, Petit Posy, Brukale, or Brusselkale) are a hybrid plant brand name for kale sprouts. Bred using traditional breeding techniques, they are a cross between kale and Brussels sprouts.[2] The plant is touted[by whom?] as being a highly nutritious vegetable that may be eaten as raw or cooked. "Kalette" is actually a brand name for the vegetable "kale sprouts," which were introduced to the United Kingdom market in 2010 under the name Flower Sprouts.[3]

Its flower-like florets are open to about 2 inches (51 mm) in diameter. Three bicolored varieties are planted for different harvest times: for early-season, mid-season, and late-season harvests. Decorative florets are optimized when planted in fertile soils with a pH above 6.5-7.5. In dry weather, the plants require careful fertilization and regular irrigation.

The hybrids were debuted by Tozer Seeds in England .[4] They were initially introduced to the United States under the brand name "Lollipops" which is currently in use. Several U.S. vendors, such as Johnny's Selected Seeds,[5] also distribute kalette seeds.

References