Red Russian Kale Seeds – 500 Heirloom Brassica napus Seeds for Planting

Red Russian Kale is a beloved heirloom variety known for its tender, sweet leaves and striking appearance. The plants produce deeply lobed, blue-green leaves with vivid purple stems and veins, adding both beauty and flavor to the garden. This cold-hardy variety is fast-growing and can be harvested young for salads or left to mature for cooking greens. Its mild, sweet flavor lacks the bitterness often associated with other kales, making it a favorite among gardeners and chefs alike.

Red Russian Kale is versatile in the garden, thriving in cool weather and tolerating light frost, which enhances its sweetness. It can be grown as a spring or fall crop and is suitable for raised beds, containers, or direct sowing in the garden. The plants are productive and can be harvested repeatedly for a continuous supply of nutritious leaves.

Plant Features

• Heirloom variety with tender, sweet leaves
• Attractive blue-green foliage with purple stems and veins
• Cold-hardy and fast-growing
• Mild flavor, excellent for salads and cooking
• Productive plants that can be harvested multiple times

Growing Information

• Botanical Name: Brassica napus
• Plant Type: Annual (often grown as cool-season annual)
• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil
• Water Requirements: Moderate; keep soil consistently moist
• Growth Habit: Upright, leafy rosette
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 2-11 (grown as annual)
• Days to Maturity: 25-50 days for baby leaves; 50-65 days for mature leaves
• Spacing: 12-18 inches apart

Planting & Care

Direct sow Red Russian Kale seeds outdoors in early spring or late summer for a fall crop. Sow seeds about 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep and keep the soil evenly moist until germination, which typically occurs in 5-10 days. Thin seedlings to the recommended spacing to allow for healthy growth. For a continuous harvest, sow seeds successionally every few weeks.

Provide consistent moisture and mulch to keep the soil cool and retain water. Kale benefits from regular watering, especially during dry spells. Harvest outer leaves first, leaving the center to continue growing. Red Russian Kale is relatively low-maintenance but may benefit from row covers to protect against pests. With proper care, you can enjoy fresh, tender kale from your garden.

What's Included

500 Red Russian Kale seeds (Brassica napus).