Curly Roja Kale
Best heirloom choice for gardeners seeking cold-hardy, ornamental edible greens.
Introducing Curly Roja Kale, an heirloom variety from High Mowing Organic Seeds, celebrated as the first organically available curly red kale. Its densely frilled leaves display a striking purple-sage hue with deep purple stems, adding both beauty and edibility to your garden. This kale is remarkably cold-hardy and retains its quality post-harvest. Plants typically reach a height of 24-36 inches, flourishing in full sun and fertile soil, making it a dependable choice for a visually appealing and productive harvest.
$4.15
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Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
3136
/ 5867
#3136 in Seeds & Seed Tape
Price vs Category Average
-61%
Below average
Organic
Yes
/ Yes
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking ornamental beauty and nutritional density
- Cool-climate growers wanting flavorful winter harvests
- Home cooks preparing salads and crispy snacks
Who should skip it
- Gardeners unable to commit to regular pest monitoring
- Cooks preferring low-maintenance produce preparation
- Impatient growers needing a rapid harvest cycle
Performance breakdown
Cold Tolerance
Remarkable resilience allows for extended harvests deep into the frost season.
Ornamental Appeal
Striking purple-sage foliage serves as a beautiful focal point in gardens.
Harvest Longevity
Leaves maintain excellent texture and quality long after being picked.
Growth Consistency
Reliable heirloom genetics ensure uniform development across the entire crop.
Maturity Speed
Fifty-five days to harvest provides a swift turnaround for seasonal growers.
Organic Integrity
Certified organic status guarantees high-quality, chemical-free heirloom seed stock.
Key Specs
Organic
Yes
Days to Maturity
55 days
Seed Form
Loose Seeds
Variety Type
Heirloom
Plant Type
Vegetable
Plant Height
24-36 inches
Sunlight Exposure
Full Sun
Features
- First organically available curly red kale
- Densely frilled, ornamental leaves
- Vibrant purple-sage color
- Excellent cold-hardiness
- Holds quality well post-harvest
- Edible and ornamental use
- Heirloom variety
- Reaches 24-36 inches tall
What customers say
Customers overwhelmingly praise Curly Roja Kale for its dual role as a productive vegetable and a striking ornamental. Reviewers consistently note the seeds establish quickly, offering reliable performance. The main attraction is the deep red and purple coloration, which deepens beautifully in cooler weather, enhancing edible landscapes. Flavor is a significant highlight; users find the leaves tender, sweet, and notably less bitter than standard greens, particularly after a frost. This variety shows vigorous growth and excellent cold tolerance, extending the harvest season late into winter. The combination of visual appeal, superior taste, and dependable yields establishes this kale as a top choice, representing excellent quality and value for home growers.
Know before you buy
This variety typically reaches maturity in 55 days from planting.
While the plants can reach up to 36 inches in height, they can be grown in large containers provided you have enough space for their root systems and adequate sunlight.
Curly Roja Kale is exceptionally cold-hardy, meaning it can withstand frost and cooler temperatures, often allowing you to continue harvesting well into the late season.
It serves both purposes beautifully. Its densely frilled, purple-sage leaves make it an excellent ornamental addition to flower beds or borders while remaining a delicious, edible vegetable.
One of the benefits of this variety is that it holds its quality and vibrant color well after being harvested, making it a great choice for market displays or kitchen use.
For the best results, plant in fertile, well-draining soil and ensure the location receives full sun exposure.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.