Kale vs Vinca

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

Kale

Brassica oleracea var. sabellica

Brassicaceae · vegetables

EdibleDeer ResistantLow Maintenance

Vinca

Vinca minor

Apocynaceae · groundcovers

Deer ResistantDrought TolerantLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Kale (Zones 2-11)

Vinca (Zones 4-9)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 4–9

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Kale	Vinca
Scientific Name	Brassica oleracea var. sabellica	Vinca minor
Family	Brassicaceae	Apocynaceae
Category	vegetables	groundcovers
Sun	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Well-drained	Adaptable
Height	2'	6"
Spread	1' 6"	2'
Bloom Season	Spring, Fall, Winter	Spring
Bloom Color	Yellow (second year)	Blue, Purple, White
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	Mediterranean	Europe
Maintenance	Low	Low

Special Traits

Kale

Yes — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Vinca

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantYes — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

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.

Vinca

✓Can be aggressive — plant where spreading is desired.
✓Mow or trim in early spring to rejuvenate.
✓Excellent for erosion control on banks.
✓Avoid planting near natural areas.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

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.

Choose Vinca if you want a low-maintenance plant, need drought tolerance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in part shade to full shade with medium water in zones 4–9.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 4–9. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

View KaleProfile →View VincaProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Kale and Vinca grow in the same hardiness zone?

Kale grows in USDA zones 2-11, while Vinca grows in zones 4-9. Both plants can grow together in zones 4 through 9.

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

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

Which grows taller, Kale or Vinca?

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

Are Kale and Vinca deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Kale or Vinca?

Both Kale and Vinca have low maintenance requirements. They need a similar level of care including regular attention to watering, pruning, and soil health.

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Kale	Vinca
Scientific Name	Brassica oleracea var. sabellica	Vinca minor
Family	Brassicaceae	Apocynaceae
Category	vegetables	groundcovers
Sun	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Well-drained	Adaptable
Height	2'	6"
Spread	1' 6"	2'
Bloom Season	Spring, Fall, Winter	Spring
Bloom Color	Yellow (second year)	Blue, Purple, White
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	Mediterranean	Europe
Maintenance	Low	Low

Care Tips

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.

Vinca

✓Can be aggressive — plant where spreading is desired.
✓Mow or trim in early spring to rejuvenate.
✓Excellent for erosion control on banks.
✓Avoid planting near natural areas.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

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.

Choose Vinca if you want a low-maintenance plant, need drought tolerance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in part shade to full shade with medium water in zones 4–9.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 4–9. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Kale and Vinca grow in the same hardiness zone?

Kale grows in USDA zones 2-11, while Vinca grows in zones 4-9. Both plants can grow together in zones 4 through 9.

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

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

Which grows taller, Kale or Vinca?

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

Are Kale and Vinca deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Kale or Vinca?

Both Kale and Vinca have low maintenance requirements. They need a similar level of care including regular attention to watering, pruning, and soil health.