(Brassica napus) Not often found in supermarkets due to their shorter shelf life, the oak-leaved kales are the most tender of all kales. Hailing from Siberia, Red Russian is extremely hardy, surviving temperatures to 10 below F! A lovely addition to salads as a baby leaf and a very productive adult plant for braising. Deep green leaves with purple veining become darker and sweeter after frosts. The variety dates back to the 19th century.
55 days. UO

Packet: 1g (~240 seeds)

*This seed has tested negative for both Black Leg (Phoma lingam) and Black Rot (Xanthomonas campestris) as required by the WA Dept of Ag crucifer seed quarantine.

[split]

Growing Info

SOWING:

Sow indoors 4-6 weeks before your last hard frost.

Transplant out 4-6 week-old plants.

Direct seed early Spring.

Can be sown until mid-summer, 8 weeks before first Fall frost date.

Note: Seedlings will tolerate light frosts. Light to moderate frosts increase the sweetness of mature plants.

PLANTING DEPTH:

1/4"

SPACING:

18-24" in rows 18-30" apart.

EMERGENCE:

4-10 days @ soil temp 60-75F.

LIGHT:

Full sun to part shade

FERTILITY:

Moderate-Heavy. Slow-release fertilizers are beneficial for extended harvests of bunching greens. Prefers well-drained, evenly moist soil with moderate, balanced fertility and a pH between 6.0-7.5.

ADDITIONAL NOTES:

Prefers cooler seasons of Spring and Fall but will tolerate high heat.

Cold-hardy and will survive moderate frost.

Floating row covers can help protect against flea beetles.

Kale, 'Red Russian'