Heirloom. Kale is a staple in Eastern European cooking. Ease of growth, variety of uses, nutrition and delicious flavor (particularly after a frost) make kale an ideal addition to any garden & diet. Tender, oak shaped, three foot leaves change from reddish green to red after a frost. Red Russian Kale may be left in the garden for harvest throughout the winter.

30 seeds

PLANTING

Brassica oleracea

Germination:3-10 days

Germination Temperature:Optimum soil temperatures 70-85F.

Seed Sowing Depth:1/2 deep

StartingIndoors:4-6 weeks before the last frost.Sow 2-3 seeds per cell/pot.Thin to the strongest seedling.Fertilize the seedlings every 7-10 days with a liquid or water-soluble fertilizer, diluted to of the suggested measurement. Transplant a week or two before the last frost. Space 12-18″ apart.Sowin midsummer for fall crops.

Sowing Outdoors:Starting in spring when soil temperature reaches at least 55F. Sow 2-3 seeds every 12-18. Sow seeds closerto harvest baby greens.Thin to the strongest seedling per space. Sowin midsummer for fall crops. Germination is slower at lower soil temperatures.

Harvest:Pick young leaves starting at 8-10″.

Tips: Plant Red Russian Kale into a fertile, well drained soil. Leaves become very sweet after frost. Use thinnings or sow a heavy seeded row every 10-14 days for baby greens.