Perennial cabbage (Daubenton)
Brassica oleracea var. ramosa
Botanical family: Brassicaceae
A cultivated form of Brassica oleracea var. ramosa, whose 'Daubenton' cultivar was described as early as the 18th century (after the naturalist Louis-Jean-Marie Daubenton). A bushy plant reaching 1 m, with soft blue-green leaves, harvested continuously. Established in spring or autumn from a rooted cutting. Divide or take cuttings as soon as the plant grows too large, to renew it. Source: Bernard Bertrand, Le chou Daubenton et autres choux perpétuels, Éditions de Terran, 2014.
Sun to partial shade
Rich, cool, free-draining
Moderate
Very hardy (-15 °C)
Overwinters in your zone
Role in permaculture
A perennial brassica grown from cuttings (never goes to seed for most forms), a pillar of permaculture gardens and food forests. It's propagated by cutting a hardened shoot into a pot of compost, with a very high take rate. A single plant can produce leaves for 5 to 7 years before exhausting itself.
Good companions
Attract pollinators and beneficial insects
Harbour beneficial insects (insectary plant)
Trap plants (variable effect, need watching)
Aromatic: scent said to confuse pests
Poor companions
Same family: shared diseases and pests
Insects attracted or useful
Seasons & availability
Perennial kale: leaves available all year round.
Available: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December.
Guidance for the oceanic / temperate climate; it may vary with your region, altitude, exposure and growing method.
Nutritional & medicinal properties
For educational purposes. Not a substitute for medical advice. Effects depend on the form, the dose and personal context.
Precautions & contraindications
Like most cabbage leaves, it can be less digestible raw and in large quantity depending on individual tolerance; cooking softens it. Like all brassicaceae, it contains glucosinolates, whose very abundant raw consumption should be moderated in case of a known thyroid disorder; in that case, the advice of a health professional prevails.
Family behaviour: Brassicaceae
In general, Brassicaceae produce glucosinolates, sulphur compounds with a mild biocidal effect on the soil (a biofumigant effect, sometimes sought between two sensitive crops). Members of the cabbage and mustard family, they are prone to the cabbage white and clubroot.
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Species & varieties
The best-known species and varieties in France.