Sea Kale

I've been wanting to grow sea kale for several years now because it's a tough perennial vegetable, but also quite ornamental with flowers that attract pollinators. I was excited to see the seeds as a new product from Pinetree Garden this year. However, I knew from the instructions on the packet that germination would be challenging, even after removing the outer shells on the seeds. The only method that gave me any germination (at about 50%) was planting the seeds in moist potting medium and leaving in an unheated garage starting in March (about two months before my last frost date), and then moving outdoors in mid-April. I now have a few healthy seedlings. In theory, if I can get even one mature plant established it will then be possible to propagate by dividing off side shoots each spring. My overall take is that these seeds are for the gardener who is willing to put in the extra effort to establish an unusual edible landscaping plant.

I am starting the Salsify I bought from you. Doing well. Last night I took the husk off my Sea Kalr seeds and will be plantings then out and seeding them under glass in several environments over the next month. Great hun.