Description
Perfect for early spring and late summer planting, and can thrive in the winter months. Adds color to the garden.
Gourmet and unique Red Russian Kale. This kale will not disappoint. A vigorous grower, so you will see results fast. Continuous production of tasty greens throughout the entire season. This variety is sweeter and more tender than other kales, especially during warm weather. The red-veins on dark green leaves bunching leaves are striking. Will also tolerate extreme cold which deepens the color.
If adding to a soup add at the very end to avoid overcooking.
Companion Planting for Kale
Kale is a wonderful companion plant for beets, celery, cucumbers, herbs, onions, spinach, chard, and potatoes. Avoid planting with beans, strawberries, or tomatoes. Keep soil moist to encourage consistent growth of the kale. Other members of the cruciferous plant family Brassica (Brassica oleracea), which includes cabbage, cauliflower, collard greens, kale, kohlrabi, and Brussels sprouts, require the same nutrients as kale. Planting them together with kale results in nutritional deficiencies in the soil.
Planting: For direct seeding, sow in early spring or late summer, when soil temperature is at least 45°F and danger of frost has passed. Sow 2 seeds at each spacing interval (above), 1/2″ deep; thin to 1 plant per spacing interval after seedlings are established. Can be grown in light frost, hard frost, partial shade, summertime requires shade.
Watering: Red Russian Kale is a moderate water user.
Fertilizer: Prior to planting, add an organic fertilizer to the soil. Continue feeding throughout the growing season with a water-soluble. High-nitrogen fertilizers encourage leafy growth.
Days to Maturity: Kale can take anywhere from 50-65 days to harvest in Spring/Summer, 70-85 days in Fall/Winter.
Size: 12-16″ wide, 24-36″ height
Harvesting: Harvest when leaves are slate green and visible red veins. Wash leaves and dry.
Tips: Easy to grow and can be grown throughout most of the year. Sweeter than most other kale.
