Red Russian kale is a stunning variety with purple stems and deep gray-green leaves accented by purple veins. Its tender, non-curled, tooth-edged leaves offer a sweet, mild flavor, making it a colorful addition to salads and dishes. Perfect for cooler climates, Red Russian kale performs well in the garden and remains a favorite for its unique appearance and flavor.
Kale Growing Guide
Outdoor Sowing (Directly in the Garden)
- Timing: Sow kale seeds outdoors in early spring, 3–4 weeks before the last frost date, or in late summer for a fall harvest. Kale grows best in cool temperatures and can tolerate light frosts.
- Location: Choose a sunny spot or an area with partial shade, especially in warmer climates. Kale thrives in fertile, well-draining soil.
- Soil Preparation: Loosen the soil to a depth of 10–12 inches and incorporate compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and drainage. Kale prefers soil with a pH of 6.0–7.5.
- Planting Seeds:
- Sow seeds 1/4–1/2 inch deep and 1 inch apart in rows.
- Space rows 12–18 inches apart for proper airflow and ease of harvesting.
- Thinning: Thin seedlings to 12–18 inches apart once they are 2–3 inches tall to give plants room to grow.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply and regularly, especially during dry periods.
Indoor Sowing (Starting Seeds Indoors)
- Timing: Start kale seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last expected frost date for an earlier harvest.
- Containers: Use seed trays or small pots with good drainage, filled with a light, well-draining seed-starting mix.
- Planting:
- Sow seeds 1/4–1/2 inch deep, placing 1–2 seeds per cell or pot.
- Cover lightly with soil and water gently.
- Germination:
- Maintain a temperature of 65–75°F for optimal germination.
- Expect seedlings to emerge within 5–10 days.
- Transplanting: Transplant seedlings outdoors when soil temperatures are consistently above 50°F and plants have 4–5 true leaves. Space plants 12–18 inches apart in rows.
General Care Tips for Kale
- Sunlight: Provide full sun for best growth, but kale can tolerate partial shade, especially in warmer climates.
- Watering: Water consistently to keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Fertilizing: Kale is a moderate feeder. Enrich the soil with compost before planting and side-dress with a balanced fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during the growing season.
- Weeding: Keep the area weed-free to reduce competition for nutrients and moisture. Be careful not to disturb kale's shallow roots when weeding.
- Pest and Disease Control: Monitor for pests like aphids, cabbage worms, and flea beetles. Use row covers to protect young plants and apply organic pest control methods if necessary.
- Harvesting: Harvest kale leaves when they are 4–8 inches long. Pick outer leaves first, leaving the inner leaves to continue growing. Baby kale can be harvested earlier for tender leaves.
- Cold Tolerance: Kale is very cold-tolerant and can survive frosts and light snow. Fall-grown kale often tastes sweeter after exposure to frost.
