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Kale Storm Pelleted is a premium variety of kale that offers highly nutritious, tender, and flavorful leaves. Known for its ability to thrive in various growing conditions, this kale variety is an excellent choice for home gardeners and commercial growers who are looking for an easy-to-grow, disease-resistant, and fast-growing green. It is a pelleted seed variety, making planting easier and more efficient.
Key Benefits
- Highly Nutritious: Kale is one of the most nutrient-dense vegetables available, packed with vitamins A, C, K, and folate. It is also a great source of fiber, iron, and antioxidants.
- Easy to Grow: The pelleted seeds ensure consistent germination and easier planting, especially for gardeners who prefer precision. Pelleted seeds are particularly helpful for uniform spacing and better seed handling.
- Disease-Resistant: Kale Storm is resistant to common kale diseases like downy mildew, aphids, and cabbage worms, making it easier to grow with less effort in pest management.
- Fast Growing: This variety grows quickly and produces large, dark green, slightly curled leaves, ideal for both baby greens and mature leaves. It’s perfect for early spring and fall harvests.
- Versatile Culinary Uses: Kale Storm is ideal for a variety of dishes, including salads, smoothies, soups, stews, chips, and juices. The leaves have a mild, slightly bitter flavor when raw and a rich, earthy taste when cooked.
- Cold Hardy: This variety thrives in cool weather, making it perfect for winter gardening or fall harvests. Kale becomes even sweeter after exposure to frost.
Planting Instructions
Planting Season
- Kale Storm performs best when planted in cool weather. It can be grown in early spring or late summer for a fall harvest, as it can tolerate light frosts.
- Ideal temperatures range between 45°F (7°C) and 75°F (24°C) for optimal growth.
Planting Details
- Seed Depth: Plant pelleted seeds about 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep in well-drained, rich soil.
- Spacing: Space seeds approximately 6-12 inches apart to allow for good air circulation and healthy plant growth. Rows should be 18-24 inches apart.
- Sunlight: Kale thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade, especially in warmer climates.
Care Instructions
Watering
- Kale Storm requires consistent watering, especially during dry periods. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Kale grows best in soil that is consistently moist, but it's important not to overwater to avoid root rot.
Fertilizing
- Incorporate compost or well-rotted manure into the soil before planting. During the growing season, apply a balanced fertilizer every few weeks to promote healthy leaf growth.
Mulching
- Mulch around your plants to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. This is particularly important during the warmer months.
Pest and Disease Control
- Kale Storm is resistant to some of the most common kale pests, including aphids and cabbage worms. However, it’s still a good idea to check the plants regularly for signs of pests.
- Use organic pest control methods such as neem oil, diatomaceous earth, or row covers to protect your kale from pests.
- Keep an eye out for fungal diseases like downy mildew. Avoid overhead watering and ensure good air circulation around the plants to help prevent the spread of disease.
Harvesting
- Baby Greens: Start harvesting kale leaves when they are young and tender, typically around 30-45 days after planting.
- Mature Leaves: For fully grown kale, you can begin harvesting when the plants are 60-75 days old, depending on the growing conditions. Harvest the outer leaves first, leaving the inner leaves to continue growing.
Additional Notes
- Taste Profile: Kale Storm has mild, slightly bitter leaves that are perfect for both raw and cooked dishes.
- Storage: Kale can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. For long-term storage, kale can be blanched and frozen.
- Companion Planting: Kale grows well with peas, radishes, and garlic, but avoid planting it near other cabbage family members like broccoli or cauliflower to prevent competition for nutrients.
The Kale Storm Pelleted variety is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-yielding, disease-resistant kale plant that is both easy to grow and versatile in the kitchen. With its rich, nutritious leaves and easy-to-handle pelleted seeds, this kale variety is perfect for beginner and seasoned gardeners alike.