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Kale - Russian Red

SKU: KC27009A
CA$3.90
CA$3.90
Unavailable
per item
Approximately 315 seeds per gram.
Brassica oleracea
Lot# KC27009
Beautiful purple-veined, blue-green leaves tinged with reddish-purple. Frilly leaf margins resemble oak leaves that have a mild sweet flavor. Red Russian Kale is a vigorous plant that can grow 46-91 cm (18-36") tall and achieve a spread of 45 cm (18”) wide.  Kale is very hardy plant and can withstand even a hard freeze.  Cold weather causes kale to become very sweet.   Hardy to -12°C ( -10°F). 
Planting Instructions:
  • You can plant Kale in a couple of different ways; the first method is to plant Red Russian Kale about 3 weeks before the last expected fall frost. Kale is most tender and delicious after a frost. Harvest can continue even after snow.  Sow 3 seeds every 20 cm (8"), 6 mm-12 mm (¼- ½") deep, in rows 45-76 cm (18-30") apart. Thin to the strongest plant per group. You can also direct sow Kale seeds as soon as the soil is able to be worked in the spring.  Lastly, grow kale from transplants, like cabbage. Start 6-8 weeks before the last frost in the spring and sow 6 mm-12 mm (¼- ½") deep in pots.  Transplant after last spring frost and plant in rows 45-76 cm (18-30") apart.
  • Soil Conditions:  Well worked rich, loose well-drained soil. Ideal pH: 6.0-6.8. 
  • Planting Depth:  Sow Kale at 6 mm-12 mm (¼-½") deep.
  • Germination:  5-10 days.
  • Height at Maturity: 45-91 cm (18-36") tall.  Spread:  45 cm (18") across.
  • Days to Maturity:   25 days for baby leaves and 50-80 days for mature leaves.  
  • Watering: 2.5 cm (1") of water a week ensures good growth, whether vegetables are grown in single or wide rows. The amount of rain that falls during the week affects how much you should water your garden.
  • Sun/Shade:  Full Sun    
  • Spacing after Thinning:   Thin to one plant every 61 cm (24”).  Rows should be 45-76 cm  (18-30”) apart. 
Additional Information
Open pollinated-untreated seeds.  For baby Kale leaves sow seeds 5-10 cm (2-4") wide along a short row. Sow Russian Red Kale at approximately 60 seeds per 30 cm (12”).  Clip leaves at 4-5 weeks  for baby kale.  Stems are purple and leaves are flat, toothed, and dark green with purple veins. Kale and collards are very hardy and will increase in eating quality into late fall and will be harvest-able through the winter in most areas.  Kale requires good cultivation; mulch or hoe frequently to keep soil loose and weed-free. Plants may be left outdoors all winter.