Delphinium vs Kale

Side-by-side plant comparison — which is right for your garden?

Delphinium

Delphinium elatum

Ranunculaceae · flowers

Deer ResistantHigh Maintenance

Kale

Brassica oleracea var. sabellica

Brassicaceae · vegetables

EdibleDeer ResistantLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Delphinium (Zones 3-7)

Kale (Zones 2-11)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 3–7

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Delphinium	Kale
Scientific Name	Delphinium elatum	Brassica oleracea var. sabellica
Family	Ranunculaceae	Brassicaceae
Category	flowers	vegetables
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Well-drained	Rich, Well-drained
Height	6'	2'
Spread	2'	1' 6"
Bloom Season	Early Summer	Spring, Fall, Winter
Bloom Color	Blue, Purple, White, Pink	Yellow (second year)
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	Europe, Asia	Mediterranean
Maintenance	High	Low

Special Traits

Delphinium

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Kale

Yes — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

Delphinium

✓Stake tall varieties.
✓Cut back after first bloom for possible rebloom.
✓Needs cool summers — struggles in heat.
✓Slugs love young growth.
✓All parts are toxic.

Kale

✓Direct sow or transplant.
✓Harvest outer leaves for continuous production.
✓Frost improves flavor.
✓Resistant to many pests.
✓Can overwinter in zones 6+ with protection.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Delphinium if you don't mind high maintenance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 3–7.

Choose Kale if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun to part shade with medium water in zones 2–11.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 3–7. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

View DelphiniumProfile →View KaleProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Delphinium and Kale grow in the same hardiness zone?

Delphinium grows in USDA zones 3-7, while Kale grows in zones 2-11. Both plants can grow together in zones 3 through 7.

Do Delphinium and Kale have the same sun and water needs?

Delphinium needs full sun and medium water, while Kale needs full sun to part shade and medium water. Their differing requirements mean you may need separate garden areas for each.

Which grows taller, Delphinium or Kale?

Delphinium grows taller at 6' compared to Kale at 2'. Delphinium spreads 2' while Kale spreads 1' 6".

Are Delphinium and Kale deer resistant?

Yes, both Delphinium and Kale are considered deer resistant, making them excellent choices for gardens in areas with deer pressure.

Which is easier to maintain, Delphinium or Kale?

Delphinium has high maintenance while Kale has low maintenance. Kale may be easier for beginning gardeners to manage.

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Delphinium	Kale
Scientific Name	Delphinium elatum	Brassica oleracea var. sabellica
Family	Ranunculaceae	Brassicaceae
Category	flowers	vegetables
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Well-drained	Rich, Well-drained
Height	6'	2'
Spread	2'	1' 6"
Bloom Season	Early Summer	Spring, Fall, Winter
Bloom Color	Blue, Purple, White, Pink	Yellow (second year)
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	Europe, Asia	Mediterranean
Maintenance	High	Low

Care Tips

Delphinium

✓Stake tall varieties.
✓Cut back after first bloom for possible rebloom.
✓Needs cool summers — struggles in heat.
✓Slugs love young growth.
✓All parts are toxic.

Kale

✓Direct sow or transplant.
✓Harvest outer leaves for continuous production.
✓Frost improves flavor.
✓Resistant to many pests.
✓Can overwinter in zones 6+ with protection.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Delphinium if you don't mind high maintenance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 3–7.

Choose Kale if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun to part shade with medium water in zones 2–11.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 3–7. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Delphinium and Kale grow in the same hardiness zone?

Delphinium grows in USDA zones 3-7, while Kale grows in zones 2-11. Both plants can grow together in zones 3 through 7.

Do Delphinium and Kale have the same sun and water needs?

Delphinium needs full sun and medium water, while Kale needs full sun to part shade and medium water. Their differing requirements mean you may need separate garden areas for each.

Which grows taller, Delphinium or Kale?

Delphinium grows taller at 6' compared to Kale at 2'. Delphinium spreads 2' while Kale spreads 1' 6".

Are Delphinium and Kale deer resistant?

Yes, both Delphinium and Kale are considered deer resistant, making them excellent choices for gardens in areas with deer pressure.

Which is easier to maintain, Delphinium or Kale?

Delphinium has high maintenance while Kale has low maintenance. Kale may be easier for beginning gardeners to manage.