Dazzling Blue Kale (Organic, 50-60 Days)

We just had to trial this new variety simply because of it name. As we watched it grow and mature into impressive, upright, lightly wrinkled, strap leaved lacinato type plants, we fell in love with it. The leaves really do have a blueish cast to them and pinkish- purple colored midribs branching out into the veins. Hearty, and like other kales, will sweeten after a frost.

PLANTING

Brassica oleracea

Germination: 3-10 days

Germination Temperature: Optimum soil temperatures 70-85ºF.

Seed Sowing Depth: 1/2” deep

Starting Indoors: 4-6 weeks before last frost. Sow 2-3 seeds per cell/pot. Thin to the strongest seedling. Fertilize the seedlings every 7-10 days with a liquid or water soluble fertilizer, diluted to ¼ of suggested measurement. Transplant a week or two before last frost. Space 12-18" apart. Sow in midsummer for fall crops. 

Sowing Outdoors: Starting in spring when soil temperature reaches at least 55ºF. Sow 2-3 seeds every 12-18”. Sow closer to harvest baby greens. Thin to the strongest seedling per space. Sow in midsummer for fall crops. Germination is slower at lower soil temperatures.

Harvest:  Pick young leaves starting at 8-10". 

Tips: Plant into a fertile, well drained soil.  Leaves become very sweet after frost. Use thinning’s or sow a heavy seeded row every 10-14 days for baby greens.