Kalette facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kalette |
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Kalettes on the stem and also picked - photo by Tozer Seeds
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| Genus | Brassica |
| Species | Brassica oleracea |
| Hybrid parentage | Kale/Brussels sprouts |
| Marketing names | Lollipops |
| Breeder | Tozer Seeds |
| Origin | England |
Kalettes are a special type of vegetable. They are a hybrid plant, which means they were created by carefully crossing two different plants. Think of it like mixing two different dog breeds to get a new one! Kalettes are a mix of two popular veggies: kale and Brussels sprouts.
You might also know them by other names like Flower Sprouts, Petit Posy, Brukale, or Brusselkale. In the United States, they are sometimes called "Lollipops." Kalettes are known for being very healthy and packed with good nutrition. You can eat them raw in salads or cook them in many yummy ways.
What Are Kalettes Like?
Kalettes have small, flower-like parts called florets. These florets are usually about 2 inches (5 cm) wide. They look a bit like tiny, ruffled cabbages or open flowers.
Farmers grow different types of Kalettes. Some are ready to pick early in the season, some in the middle, and others later on. This way, people can enjoy Kalettes for a longer time each year.
How Kalettes Grow
Kalettes grow best in good, rich soil. The soil needs to have a certain pH level. pH tells us how acidic or alkaline (the opposite of acidic) something is. For Kalettes, the soil should be a bit alkaline, with a pH usually above 6.5 to 7.5.
When the weather is dry, these plants need extra care. Farmers make sure they get enough water through irrigation. This means watering the plants regularly. They also give the plants special food called fertilizer to help them grow strong and healthy.
Where Do Kalettes Come From?
Kalettes were first created in England by a company called Tozer Seeds. They used traditional plant breeding methods. This means they didn't use any special lab tricks. Instead, they carefully selected and crossed plants over many years.
After being introduced in the United Kingdom in 2010, Kalettes made their way to other countries. In the United States, they were first sold under the name "Lollipops." Today, you can find Kalette seeds from different suppliers if you want to try growing them yourself!
