Kale, Red Russian - 10,000 Seed Count

Why Choose Red Russian Kale?

Red Russian Kale is highly valued for its mild flavor and beautiful appearance. Its tender leaves are ideal for fresh eating in salads, sandwiches, and wraps, while fully grown leaves are perfect for sautéing, steaming, or adding to soups and stews. 

The plant's striking purple stems and veins add a colorful touch to any garden or dish, making it a favorite for home gardeners and chefs.

Key Benefits:

• Mild, sweet flavor: Perfect for both raw and cooked applications.
• Hardy and cold-tolerant: Grows well in cooler climates and withstands frost.
• Nutrient-rich: Packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as antioxidants and fiber.
• Attractive appearance: Beautiful purple veins and stems add color to gardens and dishes.

Growing Red Russian Kale

Red Russian Kale is a hardy crop that can be grown in spring and fall, making it an excellent choice for year-round gardening. It thrives in cool weather and can withstand frost, which often improves the flavor and sweetness of the leaves.

Light and Soil Requirements

Plant Red Russian Kale in a sunny location with well-draining, fertile soil for best results. Kale grows best in slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Keeping the soil moist, especially during dry spells, ensures tender and flavorful leaves.

Planting Instructions

Red Russian Kale can be sown directly into the garden in early spring as soon as the ground can be worked or in late summer for a fall and winter harvest. In colder climates, kale can even be harvested after frost, as the freezing temperatures sweeten the leaves.

Spring Planting:

• Sow seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep in rows spaced 18-24 inches apart.
• Thin seedlings to 12-18 inches apart once they are 2-3 inches tall.
• Loosen soil before planting to promote root growth and fertilize as needed.

Fall Planting:

• Sow seeds in late July or August for a fall harvest.
• Kale can be harvested throughout fall and even into winter in mild climates.

Care and Maintenance

Red Russian Kale requires regular watering to maintain tender leaves. The soil should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged, and weeds should be done regularly to prevent competition for nutrients. For optimal growth, a balanced fertilizer should be applied every 4-6 weeks.

Maintenance Tips:

• Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Water deeply to encourage healthy root growth.
• Fertilize with compost or a balanced vegetable fertilizer every 4-6 weeks.

Harvesting Kale, Red Russian

Red Russian Kale can be harvested at different stages, depending on your needs. For the freshest and most tender leaves, harvest the young leaves early for salads and fresh eating. As the plant matures, harvest the larger leaves from the bottom of the plant. Kale is a cut-and-come-again crop, meaning you can harvest the leaves over time while allowing the plant to continue growing.

Harvesting Tips:

• Pick the youngest leaves for salads, sandwiches, or garnishes.
• Start harvesting from the bottom of the plant for more extensive, fully grown leaves, and work your way up.
• After frost, the leaves will be sweeter, making fall and winter harvests particularly delicious.

Culinary Uses

The mild and sweet flavor of Red Russian Kale makes it a versatile kitchen ingredient. Its tender young leaves are ideal for raw dishes, while the larger, mature leaves are perfect for cooking. Kale can be sautéed, steamed, roasted, or added to soups and stews.

Popular Culinary Uses:

• Fresh salads: Use young leaves to add texture and flavor to salads.
• Wraps and sandwiches: Replace lettuce with tender kale leaves for a nutritious twist.
• Sautéed: Cook with garlic and olive oil for a simple side dish.
• Soups and stews: Add to hearty soups and stews for added nutrition and flavor.

Final Thoughts

Kale, Red Russian is one of Kale's hardiest and most tender varieties, making it an excellent choice for spring and fall planting. With its mild, sweet flavor and beautiful purple veins, Red Russian Kale is as visually appealing as it is delicious. 

Whether you're growing for fresh salads, sautéed greens, or hearty winter dishes, Red Russian Kale will provide a bountiful and nutritious harvest throughout the year. With 10,000 seeds per pack, you'll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy this versatile and nutrient-packed vegetable in your home garden.