'Red Russian' Kale - Brassica oleracea var. sabellica

The biennial 'Red Russian' kale is an ancient and vitamin-rich winter cabbage vegetable dating back to 1885. It has a mildly nutty, slightly sweet, and earthy flavor. Popular in smoothies, bowls, and as a cooking vegetable. Ideal for people who dislike the bitter taste of cabbage. Ideal for direct sowing and pre-cultivation, pot culture possible, sowing spring-autumn, good for mixed culture, harvesting the leaves.

 Description 
Red Russian kale is an heirloom, biennial, and robust collard green variety from Russia. Passed down through generations, this variety originated in Siberia and was introduced to Canada in 1885. From there, it spread to North America and Europe.
This globally popular variety forms large, open rosettes with purple stems and dark green, serrated leaves. The leaf texture is softer than that of classic kale and develops a particularly aromatic aroma after the first frost.
This frost-hardy cabbage has a mild, nutty, slightly sweet, and earthy flavor—ideal for those who dislike the harsh taste of cabbage. The tender young leaves are excellent in salads, while the mature leaves can be used for roasting, braising, or stewing.

 General information 
Plant family: Brassicaceae
Life cycle: Biennial
Days to harvest: 90 days
Plant height approx.: 60 cm
Root type: Deep rooter
Nutrient requirements: Medium
Water requirements: Medium
Winter hardiness: Up to -15°C
Location: Sunny until semi shady
Soil: Permeable, humus-rich loamy soil

pH value: 6 to 7.5

 Sowing and planting information 
Germination type: Dark germinator
Sowing depth: 0.5-1 cm
Optimal germination temperature: 12-20 °C
Germination time: 7-14 days
Plant and row spacing: 65x50 cm / Baby-Leaf 15x10 cm

Germination ability of seeds: 4-5 years

 Mixed culture 
Optimal mixed culture: Bean, Endive, Pea, Cucumber, Kohlrabi, Parsley, Peppermint, Broad bean, Radish, Celery, Spinach, Southernwood, Basil, Marigold, Tagetes, Rosemary, Nasturtium, Black elderberry, Daisy
Unfavorable mixed culture: Kohlrabi, Onion, Garlic, Mustard, Radish, other types of cabbage

 Sowing by climate zone 
Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
Direct sowing or pre-cultivation from September to November is recommended. The ideal location for the plants is sunny to partially shaded.
Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
Direct sowing or pre-cultivation from March to June is recommended. The ideal location for the plants is sunny.

 General recommendations 
Direct sowing is recommended for baby leaf cultivation and pre-cultivation for large plants. For pre-cultivation, sow the seeds in a small tray and allow the seedlings to grow until the first visible cabbage leaves appear, then transplant them into the desired container. After transplanting, allow the seedlings to grow at moderate temperatures until they are ready to plant out as seedlings. Transplant the seedlings into the garden bed when they have the second pair of leaves after the cotyledons. Then, plant out at the specified spacing.
Kale 'Red Russian' prefers a permeable, nutrient-rich, moist and humus-rich loamy soil. Doesn't tolerate waterlogging.

 Additional tips 
After the frost, the leaves become very tasty, but can also be eaten without the effects of frost. Harvest the leaves from the outside inwards to keep growth stable. To prevent cabbage flies from laying eggs, it is advisable to use vegetable protection nets. To quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and permeable soil with good nutrient and water storage capacity, it is recommended to also work in biochar and primary rock flour.

 Type of propagation 
Propagation occurs via seeds.

 Plant care 
Loose, nutrient-rich and moist soil is essential. Depending on the condition of the soil, fertilization is recommended after 10 weeks.

 Other names 
Botanical names: Brassica oleracea var. sabellica
English names: Kale
German names: Grünkohl, Krauskohl, Braunkohl
Portuguese names: Repolho galega, Couve galega
Spanish names: Col rizada
French names: Chou frisé

 Origin 
Country: Germany