Red Russian Kale Seeds

Well known and widely available in grocery stores and farmer’s markets, Red Russian kale is distinguished by its prominent flat, purple-veined leaves. The exact history of the heirloom variety remains ambiguous, but according to popular lore, it was brought to Canada by Russian fur traders in the 1880s. For many decades, it existed in obscurity until it became a favourite of seed savers in the 1980s. From then on, its popularity, and market, has skyrocketed. 

Like its ancestor, Siberian kale, Red Russian is vigorous, productive, cold-hardy and attractive. Renowned for their smooth, sweet taste, the leaves are great for any culinary application. Eaten fresh, steamed, stir fried, baked into chips or added to soups, red Russian has become a go-to green for kale lovers.

The conspicuous purple tones indicate the presence of powerful antioxidants and supreme nutrition. Delicious, productive and rugged, Red Russian kale is particularly popular for all the right reasons. 

- Days to Maturity: 50
- Planting Depth: 1 cm
- Plant Spacing: 45-60 cm
- Row Spacing: 60 cm

GROWING INSTRUCTIONS

Growing your own kale is quite a rewarding experience. Harvesting fresh, nutritious green leaves on demand is the delight of every gardener who values the health benefits and beauty of this cabbage relative.

To get a head start on the growing season, start seeds indoors three to five weeks before the last spring frost. Alternatively, kale seeds can be sown directly into the garden in the late summer, six to eight weeks before the first predicted frost. Plant seeds 1 cm deep, bearing in mind they ultimately should be spaced 45 cm apart upon reaching maturity. Soil should be kept evenly moist throughout the germination process until seedlings are well established. Germination occurs within a week in warm soil.

Kale grows best in a site that receives full sun. Plenty of direct light is important to maximize growth and yields, but the green leaves do appreciate afternoon shade, especially on hot summer days. Shade cloth can be used to relieve plants from the beating sun. 

Leafy greens like kale require soil that is rich in nitrogen to feed their continual vegetative growth. Supplement the soil with compost at the time of planting and feed with a nitrogen-heavy fertilizer periodically throughout the growing season. Well-drained soil is crucial to overall health, otherwise waterlogged plants may become riddled with slugs and disease. 

Ensure that your mature kale plants receive 3-4 cm of water per week, whether it be from precipitation or irrigation. The right amount of moisture helps keep the leaves crisp and flavourful. Nobody likes bitter and tough kale! Drop a layer of mulch to keep the roots moist and cool. 

Kale responds well to planting and transplanting when soil temperatures are around 16 degrees. If sowing directly, a minimum of seven degrees is required. Expect to start harvesting the leaves about two months after planting. Always harvest by removing the older outer leaves. This signals to the centre that it needs to produce more, increasing yields. Store leaves in the refrigerator with a bit of moisture and ventilation and they will keep for a week plus. 

The uses for your fresh kale are countless. Young, tender leaves are spectacular in salads, whereas larger leaves can be added to soups, casseroles, smoothies, made into crispy chips or even juiced to enjoy nutrient-dense health shots. 

An easy-to-grow and maintain leafy green superfood, kale deserves a spot in every health-conscious grower’s garden. 

QUICK FACTS

- Kale seeds will remain viable for 4 years if stored in a cool, dark place, ideally between 4 and 10⁰C. After that, the germination rate may start to go down.