Red Russian Kale (Heirloom, 58 Days)

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. 

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 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 ¼ of the suggested measurement. Transplant a week or two before the 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 seeds 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: Plant Red Russian Kale 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.