How long does it take to grow red Russian kale?

How long does it take to grow red Russian kale?

Whether you transplant or directly seed, baby kale of this variety is ready for harvest 25 days after sowing, and full-sized leaves can typically be harvested after 50 days. Due to the shortening days of fall, your plants will mature more slowly in the fall than in the spring.

How do you grow Russian red kale?

Kale may be direct seeded or transplanted. Direct-seed when outdoor temperatures are above 50°F (optimum 60–65°F). Plant seed ¼ inch deep, 6 seeds per row foot, allowing 18–24 inches between rows. As the plants grow, thin to one plant every 8–12 inches, eating the thinnings.

How tall does red Russian kale grow?

Much larger than regular kale (2 to 3 tall), the stems are purplish and the leaves are shaped like big oak leaves and colored a velvety gray green. The purple colors become richer after frost, when the flavor becomes sweeter.

Does Red Russian kale come back every year?

A perennial lives for more than one and often many seasons. Kale is a biennial. This means that it is a short-lived perennial, with a life cycle that takes two growing seasons to complete in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 through 10.

Can you grow red Russian kale in pots?

You can grow a single kale plant in a one gallon pot or groups of plants in larger containers. Make sure that your container has drainage holes. Fill with a mixture of potting soil and compost and water thoroughly. In hot weather you should keep them out of direct sun.

Does kale regrow after cutting?

When kale is harvested properly, it works as a cut and come again vegetable that quickly grows back to regenerate its leaves for multiple harvests. For your kale to grow back, harvest the oldest leaves first—those on the outside of the plant at the bottom.

What is Russian kale good for?

Health Benefits A single serving (one cup) contains more than a day’s worth of vitamin A requirement, which is important for eye health and immune function. It is also full of vitamins K, C, and B6 as well as manganese, copper, calcium, and magnesium.

Can you eat red Russian kale?

Of all of winter’s hardy greens, none are more popular than the many members of the kale family, and dark green, red-stemmed Russian kale may well be the sweetest of all. The tips of the leaves are tender enough to be eaten raw, but they are infinitely improved by cooking.

How do you pick kale so it keeps growing?

Here’s how to harvest kale so it keeps growing in 12 simple tips.

1. Harvest when leaves are about the size of your palm.
2. Cut along the base to harvest.
3. Don’t cut the root of the plant.
4. Pick the largest and oldest leaves first.
5. Avoid picking the terminal bud.
6. Pick about one fistful of leaves per harvest.

What does red Russian kale taste like?

Red Russian kale offers a mild nutty flavor that is slightly sweet and earthy with a hearty texture. When choosing Red Russian kale look for fresh, bright, firm leaves.