Red Russian Kale
Best cold-hardy heirloom for gardeners seeking tender, sweet winter greens.
Experience the unique Red Russian Kale, an heirloom variety celebrated for its vibrant purple stems and deeply lobed, slate green leaves. This kale offers an exceptionally tender, smooth, and sweet flavor that becomes even more pronounced after frost, making it remarkably cold-tolerant for extended harvests. It's ideal for both colorful baby leaf salad mixes and mature, full-sized bunches, adding distinctive color and taste to your garden and culinary creations. High Mowing Organic Seeds provides high-quality, disease-tested seeds for successful growing.
$4.15
Owner Satisfaction
4.8
/ 5
Category Rank
3
/ 5876
#3 in Seeds & Seed Tape
Price vs Category Average
-61%
Below average
Days to Maturity
2150
/ days for baby leaf; days for full size
Who it's for
- Salad lovers seeking tender leaves and a mild flavor profile
- Winter gardeners wanting harvests that thrive in freezing temperatures
- Home growers prioritizing nutrient density and aesthetic garden appeal
Who should skip it
- Gardeners unwilling to monitor for common brassica pests
- Farmers in hot climates prone to early summer heatwaves
- Busy gardeners unable to commit to frequent, consistent harvesting
Performance breakdown
Cold Tolerance
Frost exposure actually enhances the sweetness of these resilient leaves.
Harvest Versatility
Easily transitions from quick baby leaf crops to full-sized bunches.
Flavor Profile
Exceptionally tender texture paired with a notably sweet, mild finish.
Germination Reliability
High-quality, disease-tested seeds ensure consistent success for home gardeners.
Visual Appeal
Striking purple stems provide a vibrant contrast to slate green foliage.
Growth Speed
Rapid development allows for baby leaf harvests in just three weeks.
Key Specs
Days to Maturity
21 days for baby leaf; 50 days for full size
Seeding Depth
1/4 to 1/2 inch
Plant Spacing (Full Size)
12-18 inches apart
Row Spacing (Full Size)
18-30 inches
Seeds per ounce average
7.5 million
Soil pH Requirement
6.0 - 7.5
Approximate seeds per 1/32 oz packet
225 seeds
Is Organic
true
Features
- Tender, smooth, and very sweet leaves
- Flavor improves significantly after frost
- Incredibly cold tolerant
- Distinctive bright purple stems
- Excellent for baby leaf production
- Heirloom variety
What customers say
Gardeners overwhelmingly praise the Red Russian Kale seeds for their exceptional reliability and superior flavor. Reviewers consistently report outstanding germination success, leading to vigorous and highly productive plants. The kale stands out due to its tender texture and sweeter, milder taste, making it ideal for salads and cooking, even appealing to those who dislike bitter greens. Its striking red and purple coloring adds visual appeal to the garden. Furthermore, the variety demonstrates excellent cold hardiness, extending the harvest season reliably. This organic kale is considered a dependable, flavorful, and beautiful staple for gardeners seeking consistent, high quality yields.
Know before you buy
You can harvest baby leaves in as little as 21 days. For full-sized bunches, expect to wait about 50 days.
Yes. Cold temperatures trigger the plant to convert starches into sugars, which significantly enhances the sweetness and tenderness of the leaves.
Red Russian Kale is versatile and thrives in both full sun and partial sun conditions, making it a reliable choice for various garden spots.
For mature plants, space them 12 to 18 inches apart with 18 to 30 inches between rows to ensure proper airflow and growth.
Yes, these are high-quality, disease-tested seeds provided by High Mowing Organic Seeds, ensuring they meet organic standards.
This variety performs best in soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. It is recommended to test your soil before planting to ensure optimal nutrient uptake.
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