Scarlet Kale (60 Days)

Young leaves start out green having violet ribs and veins with the color spreading outward. As the plant ages the leaves become more frilly, growing upright, 24-36” by 24” wide and when it gets hits by frost the color intensifies into a deep burgundy. 

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. 

days for baby greens.