"Brassica oleracea, Acephala Group: Kale adds color and visual appeal to any garden. It was one of the earliest cultivated brassicas and is very closely related to collards. The succulent, mild flavor of kale is a wonderful addition to salads and stir-fries. There are two main groups of cultivars in kale: the Scotch group that has very curly leaves, and the Siberian group or Brassica oleracea var. fimbriata, that includes the Russian types.

CULTURE: Kale is a short-season crop that performs best in cool weather and can tolerate frost when established.
SPRING CULTURE: To start indoors, see cauliflower culture. Direct seed in May, or after the danger of hard frost. Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep, about 1 inch apart, in rows 24 inches apart. Cover the seed with fine vermiculite or sifted compost for best germination. Keep moist to prevent soil crusting. Optimum soil temperature range for germination: 55-75°F. Days to emergence: 5-15. After plants produce their third true leaf, thin to about 18-24 inches apart, maintaining the strongest plants. These early thinnings are wonderful for fresh salad greens. Now apply 1/4 to 1/2 cup of our complete fertilizer, or equivalent, into the soil around each young plant to provide the nutrition necessary for optimum production.
FALL & WINTER CULTURE: Sow seed just after the 4th of July. Consult our winter catalog or our website for complete cultural information.
INSECTS: See Brassica Insect Information.
DISEASES: Generally not a problem.
HARVEST: The outer leaves can be picked when they are about 8-10 inches long. Avoid picking the inner leaves to prevent damaging the growing point. Cool quickly and store at 32°F and 100% humidity. A light frost will bring out the sweetness.
SEED SPECS: Minimum germination standard: 75%. Days to maturity are calculated from date of direct seeding; subtract 15 days if transplanting. Usual seed life: 3 years. Approximately 300 seeds per gram, 28 grams per ounce.

Sampler: 1 gram
Packet: 5 grams
Unless otherwise noted."

   Open Pollinated