Dwarf Blue Curled Scotch Kale Seeds

Dwarf blue curled scotch kale is casually referred to as Vates or Blue Scotch. It produces broad, ruffled leaves that make an excellent garnish. But, this special heirloom variety is much more than an ornamental leaf to adorn your plate. DBCSK is an adaptation of the 19th-century dwarf green curled kale. It was pioneered in 1950 by the Virginia Truck Experiment Station, where much research was conducted on greens from 1907-1967. 

DBCSK grows exceptionally well in the cool months of spring and fall. It thrives especially when planted in late summer and left to mature through the increasingly short and cool days. Quite cold-hardy, DBCSK retains its pleasant blue-green colour in frigid temperatures. The flavour and texture can be expected to improve after a few light frosts. With this outstanding variety, gardeners can enjoy fresh, delicious greens well into the winter!

DBCSK is an excellent choice for gardeners in search of a tender, tasty green. Frilled leaves shoot out from a central rosette, growing to be 30-40 cm long. The never-bitter leaves will appeal to the pickiest of eaters. It is remarkable as a salad green, steamed, added to soups and sandwiches or made into delectable chips in the oven. 

This standard variety is the most commonly produced type of kale for good reason. It is easy to grow, super nutritious and slow to bolt —this curly kale has it all!

- Days to Maturity: 55
- 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.