Description

Add a splash of color and flavor to your garden with 'Red Russian' Kale, a variety prized for its tender, sweet leaves and vibrant red veins. Introduced to North America in 1885, this kale is not only visually appealing with its oak-shaped, wavy leaves, but also exceptionally versatile in the kitchen. Perfect for mesclun, garnishes, and sautéing, it can be harvested as early as 21 days for tender baby greens, or left to mature to 18″–30″ tall for full-sized plants. Hardy in cooler climates, 'Red Russian' thrives even after the first fall frost, sweetening its flavor.

Botanical Name: Brassica napus
Days to Maturity: 21–50 days
Family: Brassicaceae
Native: Europe
Hardiness: Biennial grown as an annual, kale is very cold hardy and may overwinter in milder climates.
Plant Dimensions: 18″–30″ tall, 24″ wide
Variety Information: Wavy, dark green leaves with reddish purple veins and stems.

When to Sow Outside: 1 to 2 weeks before your average last frost date, when soil temperature is above 45°F for spring/summer crop; 10 to 12 weeks before your average first fall frost date for fall crop; and in mild climates, fall for very early spring crop.
When to Start Inside: RECOMMENDED: 4 to 6 weeks before your average last frost date. For a fall crop, start 12 to 14 weeks before your average first fall frost date, transplanting after 4 to 6 weeks. Ideal soil temperature for germination is 65°–85°F.
Days to Emerge: 5–10 days
Seed Depth: ¼”
Seed Spacing: A group of 3 seeds every 18″
Row Spacing: 24″
Thinning: When 1″ tall, thin to 1 every 18″

Harvesting: Outer leaves can be harvested as baby greens when 2″–3″ tall, any time when full-sized beginning with the lowest, or the whole plant can be cut off at ground level at maturity. For fast regrowth, harvest up to only ? of the plant at a time.

This packet sows up to 96 feet. 190 seeds.