Description
250 Seeds per pack
(a.k.a. Ragged Jack) (Brassica oleracea) 50 days. Red Russian Open Pollinated Kale has purple stems and leaves that are grey green with purple veins. Red Russian will add lots of color to salads. Dip leaves in cold water to extend shelf life. Red Russian leaves are very tender compared to other kale varieties.
Planting Instructions for Red Russian Kale Seeds
Heirloom / Open Pollinated Kale is a short season brassica that performs best in cool weather and can tolerate frost when established. For spring planting of Kale, start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost, or direct sow after danger of hard frost. In warm climates you can plant Kale in late summer for fall harvest. In hot climates you can plant Kale in the fall for a winter harvest. Plant Kale in full sun in more mild climates, or partial shade in very hot summer climates. Sow Kale seeds ½” deep, 3″ apart, in rows 18-24″ apart. Germination should occur in 5-17 days in soil 55-75°F. When Kale plants reach 3-5″, thin to 12-18″ apart. Outer leaves can be harvested at about 8-10″ long, Avoid picking the inner leaves to avoid damaging the growing point. A light frost brings out the sweetness in fall or winter crops.
FAQ:
What are the characteristics of Red Russian Kale?
Red Russian Kale is an open-pollinated variety featuring purple stems and gray-green leaves with purple veins. The leaves are tender compared to other kale varieties and add vibrant color to salads.
When is the best time to plant Red Russian Kale?
For spring planting, start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost or direct sow after the danger of hard frost has passed. In warm climates, plant in late summer for a fall harvest; in hot climates, plant in the fall for a winter harvest.
What are the ideal growing conditions for Red Russian Kale?
Red Russian Kale thrives in full sun in mild climates and partial shade in very hot summer climates. It prefers well-drained soil with consistent moisture.
How should I plant and space Red Russian Kale seeds?
Sow seeds ½ inch deep, 3 inches apart, in rows 18-24 inches apart. Germination occurs in 5-17 days in soil temperatures between 55°F and 75°F. When plants reach 3-5 inches in height, thin them to 12-18 inches apart to allow adequate space for growth.
When and how should I harvest Red Russian Kale?
Begin harvesting the outer leaves when they are about 8-10 inches long, avoiding picking the inner leaves to prevent damaging the growing point. A light frost can enhance the sweetness of the leaves in fall or winter crops.
Marianne (verified owner) –
Obviously super quality, it just kept growing and growing!
J H. (verified owner) –
My favorite kale
Richard Newton (verified owner) –
Slow growing
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Loved it!
Valerie S. (verified owner) –
I have not planted yet but seeds arrived quickly and well packaged. Love St. Clare Seeds!
Patricia Stone (verified owner) –
Excellent!
Regina Harris (verified owner) –
5 star!
jody (verified owner) –
5 star!
Sally (verified owner) –
Clifford (verified owner) –
Ken (verified owner) –
Pussywillow –
This is my favorite kale–still delicious in the heat of summer. My standard breakfast is kale frittata with refried beans (& lemon balm sauce, if I have it). I added cheese when I could have it. Russian Red outlasts pretty much everything else in the garden, often going through November in zone 4. It takes shade well too, producing well against the north side of our garage. Spaced ~8″ apart, the plants get large (3′ tall & 2′ wide). Interplanting with garlic really helps keep cabbage worms down.