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Red Russian kale seeds in OK Seeds packets
KALE Red Russian (Heirloom)

Red Russian

Brassica napus

$3.99

3 g Approximately

Red Russian kale seeds grow a cold-tolerant heirloom with dark green leaves, purple-red highlights and a mild, sweet flavor.

Red Russian Kale (Brassica napus var. pabularia), also known as Buda Kale or Ragged Jack, is a hardy, cold-tolerant heirloom with distinct dark green leaves and purple-red highlights. Its flavor is mild and sweet, becoming even sweeter and more flavorful after frost exposure. First brought to North America by Russian fur traders in the 1880s, Red Russian Kale is now popular for its rich nutrient content, ease of cultivation, and vibrant appearance.

Disclaimer: Sold individually — price is for 1 seed packet only. Image shows multiple packets for display purposes only.

Product images are provided for illustrative purposes only and may not be an exact representation of the product. The actual product may vary due to a variety of factors.

139 in stock

  • Days to Germination: 3-10 days
  • Days to Maturity: 50-70 days (25 days for baby leaves)
  • Planting Time: Early spring or late fall
  • Sunlight Requirement: Full sun to partial shade
  • Optimal Soil pH: 6.0-7.5
  • Spacing: 12-18 inches apart; rows 24 inches apart
  • Height: 18-30 inches
  • Frost Hardy: Yes

Starting Indoors:

  • Begin seeds 3-4 weeks before the last frost for spring harvest, or 6-8 weeks before the first frost for fall harvest.
  • Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in seed-starting mix.

Direct Sowing:

  • Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in nitrogen-rich, well-drained soil.
  • Space plants 12-18 inches apart, with 24 inches between rows.
  • Germination occurs in 3-10 days with soil temperatures between 45-85 F.

Growing Tips

  • Watering: Keep soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Water deeply to encourage strong root growth.
  • Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer every 4 weeks for best growth.
  • Temperature Sensitivity: Red Russian Kale can bolt in high temperatures, so it’s best suited for cooler growing seasons.
  • Companion Planting: Pair with nasturtium (to attract cabbage worms away) and mint (to deter flea beetles).

Harvesting

  • Timing: Harvest baby greens in 21 days, or full-sized leaves in 50-60 days.
  • Method: Start with the outer leaves, leaving the central bud intact for continuous growth.
  • Flavor: Kale’s flavor is enhanced by frost, so for fall harvests, wait until after the first frost for optimal sweetness.

Uses

  • Culinary: Use fresh in salads, soups, stir-fries, or bake into kale chips. Red Russian Kale has a mild, sweet taste similar to broccoli stems.
  • Nutritional Value: High in calcium, iron, and vitamins A and C, Red Russian Kale is also a superfood with powerful antioxidants.
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