Starbor Kale (F1 Hybrid 45 Days)

The Starbor Kale is an excellent variety for home gardeners due to its compact growth habit, lovely blue green color, good flavor, and frost tolerance. Stands out as the choice for the discriminating grower to whom plant size is not the primary consideration. 

PLANTING

Brassica oleracea

Germination: 3-10 days

Germination Temperature: Optimum soil temperatures 70-85ºF.

Seed Sowing Depth: 1/2” deep

Starting Indoors: 4-6 weeks before 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 ¼ of suggested measurement. Transplant a week or two before last frost. Space 12-18" apart. Sow in midsummer for fall crops. 

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

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

Tips: Starbor Kale should be planted into a fertile, well drained soil.  Leaves become very sweet after frost. Use thinning’s or sow a heavy seeded row every 10-14 days for baby greens.