Vegetables · Growing Guide
Red Russian Kale
Variety: Red Russian · Brassica napus var. pabularia
Red Russian Kale is a beautiful heirloom leafy vegetable with blue-green oak-shaped leaves and striking purple stems. It is easy to grow, highly productive, and known for its sweet, tender flavor that becomes even sweeter in cool weather.
- Difficulty: easyLeafy VegetableOutdoorGermination: 5–10 daysHarvest: 30 days (baby leaves) / 50–60 days (full size)
Plant overview
Red Russian Kale is one of the sweetest and most attractive kale varieties available. Its deeply lobed blue-green leaves and vibrant purple stems make it both an ornamental and edible plant for home gardens. Unlike curly kale, Red Russian Kale has tender leaves with a mild, slightly sweet flavor, making it ideal for fresh salads, smoothies, soups, stir-fries, and roasted dishes. Young leaves can even be eaten raw with minimal bitterness. This "cut-and-come-again" vegetable continues producing new leaves after harvest, allowing gardeners to enjoy multiple harvests from a single plant. It grows best during Thailand's cool season but can also be cultivated successfully in cooler highland areas throughout the year. Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, antioxidants, calcium, potassium, and dietary fiber, Red Russian Kale is an excellent choice for gardeners seeking both beauty and outstanding nutrition.
Climate & growing season
Best suited to cool to mild growing conditions. Red Russian Kale grows well at about 10–24°C and can tolerate cooler temperatures. In warm conditions, provide consistent moisture, good airflow and protection from intense afternoon heat to help maintain healthy, tender leaves.
Seed starting
Sow seeds 0.5–1 cm deep in moist seed-starting mix. Seeds usually germinate within 5–10 days. Transplant seedlings after they develop 3–4 true leaves.
Transplanting
Transplant seedlings when they have 3–4 true leaves. Water thoroughly after transplanting and provide light shade for the first few days to reduce transplant shock.
Sunlight
Red Russian Kale grows best in full sun but also performs well in partial shade. Provide at least 5–6 hours of direct sunlight daily for vigorous growth and sweet, tender leaves.
Watering
Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. Water deeply 2–3 times per week, increasing frequency during hot or dry weather. Mulching helps retain soil moisture.
Soil & growing medium
Red Russian Kale prefers fertile, loose, well-drained loamy soil rich in organic matter with a pH of 6.0–7.5. Mix compost into the soil before planting for the best results.
Fertilizing
Feed every 2–3 weeks with compost, worm castings, or a balanced organic fertilizer. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which may produce lush leaves with reduced flavor.
Harvesting
Harvest baby leaves from around 30 days or mature leaves from 50–60 days after sowing. Always harvest the outer leaves first while leaving the center growing point intact for continuous production.
Harvest checklist
Print or tick off as you go.
- Harvest baby leaves from around 30 days or mature leaves from 50–60 days after sowing. Always harvest the outer leaves first while leaving the center growing point intact for continuous production.
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