Is Curly-Leaf Sea Kale good for the Colorado Front Range?

Yes, Curly-Leaf Sea Kale is a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.

How far apart do I plant Curly-Leaf Sea Kale?

Space Curly-Leaf Sea Kale about 25 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 36 in apart for a looser planting.

Is Curly-Leaf Sea Kale hardy on the Front Range?

Curly-Leaf Sea Kale is hardy in USDA 5 to 9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 6a, so it is at its cold edge here. Site it in a warm microclimate and protect young plants.

How much water does Curly-Leaf Sea Kale need?

It needs low to medium water once established.

Is Curly-Leaf Sea Kale native to Colorado?

No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.

How long does Curly-Leaf Sea Kale bloom?

Curly-Leaf Sea Kale blooms for about two to three weeks on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.

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Curly-Leaf Sea Kale

Crambe maritima

Compiled by Nicholas Julia · Reviewed against CSU Extension & Plant Select® · Updated 2026-10-30

Curly-Leaf Sea Kale (Crambe maritima) is a perennial suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 24 to 30 in tall and 24 to 36 in wide, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun. Bold blue-green ruffled foliage and clouds of white honey-scented flowers.

Plant Select®low to medium water24 to 30 in tall and 24 to 36 in wideXeric / water-wise

Photos

Photo 1: Charlesdrakew, Wikimedia Commons (PD)
Photo 2: Jon Mortin, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY)
Photo 3: Nevlyutov Marat, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY)

At a glance

Will it survive here?

Hardiness zones: USDA 5 to 9
Water needs: low to medium water
Sun: Best in full sun.
Soil: loam, sandy
Soil pH: 6.5 to 8.0
Hail tolerance: high
Wind tolerance: high
Salt tolerance: high

How big, what shape?

Mature size: 24 to 30 in tall and 24 to 36 in wide
Planting spacing: ~25 to 36 in apart

What it looks like, and when

Bloom time: late spring, early summer
Bloom color: white
Bloom length: 2 to 3 weeks
Foliage: Deciduous

Who else benefits

Pollinator value: moderate
Deer: Not rated
Colorado native: No

Also worth knowing

Fire rating: Not rated

Planting & establishment

Deep water every 1 to 2 weeks during establishment (first growing season), then water sparingly per Plant Select guidance.

Frequently asked questions

Is Curly-Leaf Sea Kale good for the Colorado Front Range?: Yes, Curly-Leaf Sea Kale is a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.
How big does Curly-Leaf Sea Kale get?: It matures to about 24 to 30 in tall and 24 to 36 in wide.
How far apart do I plant Curly-Leaf Sea Kale?: Space Curly-Leaf Sea Kale about 25 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 36 in apart for a looser planting.
Is Curly-Leaf Sea Kale hardy on the Front Range?: Curly-Leaf Sea Kale is hardy in USDA 5 to 9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 6a, so it is at its cold edge here. Site it in a warm microclimate and protect young plants.
How much water does Curly-Leaf Sea Kale need?: It needs low to medium water once established.
Is Curly-Leaf Sea Kale native to Colorado?: No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
How long does Curly-Leaf Sea Kale bloom?: Curly-Leaf Sea Kale blooms for about two to three weeks on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.