Ethiopian kale (gomenzer) Brassica carinata
Ethiopian kale (gomenzer) (Brassica carinata) is an annual vegetable in the Brassicaceae family, native to Ethiopian highlands (hybrid of B. nigra and B. oleracea). It grows 60 cm–1.5 m (24 in–4.9 ft) tall and 40–60 cm (16–24 in) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -2 °C (28 °F). Space plants about 40 cm (16 in) apart.
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Ethiopian kale (gomenzer) at a glance
| Type | Annual vegetable |
|---|---|
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Mature height | 60 cm–1.5 m (24 in–4.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 40–60 cm (16–24 in) |
| Spacing | 40 cm (16 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -2 °C (28 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | about 10–14 weeks after planting, for 4–6 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 50 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: leaves, seeds (oil, mustard) |
| Native to | Ethiopian highlands (hybrid of B. nigra and B. oleracea) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇪🇹 Ethiopia, 🇰🇪 Kenya |
Is Ethiopian kale (gomenzer) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Ethiopian kale (gomenzer)
Good neighbours
- good With Rhubarb: Traditional lore says rhubarb planted near brassicas helps against clubroot and pests; the evidence is weak and not confirmed by trials. Evidence D
- good With Nasturtium: Nasturtiums act as a trap crop for cabbage white butterflies and blackfly, drawing some pressure away from brassicas. Evidence C
Questions about Ethiopian kale (gomenzer)
- How far apart should I plant Ethiopian kale (gomenzer)?
- About 40 cm (16 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 40–60 cm (16–24 in).
- Does Ethiopian kale (gomenzer) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Ethiopian kale (gomenzer) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Ethiopian kale (gomenzer)?
- It tolerates about -2 °C (28 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
- When does Ethiopian kale (gomenzer) flower?
- About 10–14 weeks after planting, for 4–6 weeks.
- Is Ethiopian kale (gomenzer) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
- What grows well with Ethiopian kale (gomenzer)?
- Traditional lore says rhubarb planted near brassicas helps against clubroot and pests; the evidence is weak and not confirmed by trials. Nasturtiums act as a trap crop for cabbage white butterflies and blackfly, drawing some pressure away from brassicas.
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- PROTA4U: Plant Resources of Tropical Africa, PROTA Foundation, Wageningen
- Traditional African vegetables, World Vegetable Center
Notes and assumptions
- Fast leafy green picked from about 7 weeks; more heat- and drought-tolerant than kale.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Broccoli Brassica oleracea var. italica
- Cauliflower Brassica oleracea var. botrytis
- Cabbage Brassica oleracea var. capitata
- Kale Brassica oleracea var. sabellica
- Radish Raphanus sativus
- Bok choy Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis
- Brussels sprout Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera
- Kohlrabi Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes