Red Russian Organic

Red Russian Kale is a hardy, nutrient-rich leafy green known for its unique red-veined, purple-hued leaves and tender texture. This organic variety is prized for its slightly sweet, mild flavor compared to other kale types. Its attractive purple stems and green leaves add color and variety to any garden while providing abundant harvests of vitamin-packed greens.

Key Benefits

• Mild and Sweet Flavor: Red Russian kale has a sweeter and less bitter taste than other kale varieties, making it perfect for salads, sautéing, and smoothies. It has a delicate texture that is great for raw preparations.
• Nutrient-Rich: Like all kale, Red Russian is packed with vitamins A, C, K, as well as calcium, iron, and fiber, offering numerous health benefits such as improving digestion, boosting immunity, and promoting bone health.
• Cold-Hardy: This kale variety thrives in cool weather and is frost-tolerant, often becoming sweeter after exposure to frost. It is a perfect addition to fall and winter gardens.
• Beautiful and Decorative: The purple stems and veined leaves make Red Russian kale not only delicious but also an attractive plant in your garden, offering both beauty and nutrition.
• Fast-Growing: Red Russian kale is a quick grower, allowing you to enjoy fresh greens in just 50-60 days after planting.

Planting Instructions

Planting Season

• Plant Red Russian kale in early spring or late summer/early fall for a winter harvest. It thrives in cool temperatures, making it suitable for both spring and fall gardening.

Planting Details

• Seed Depth: Sow seeds about 1/4 inch deep into the soil.
• Spacing: Space seeds about 12-18 inches apart in rows, allowing for air circulation and healthy growth.
• Sunlight: Plant in full sun for the best growth, although Red Russian kale can tolerate some partial shade in hotter climates.

Care Instructions

Watering

• Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Kale prefers regular watering to ensure steady growth, but it's important that the soil drains well to prevent root rot.

Fertilizing

• Amend the soil with organic compost before planting to enhance soil fertility. If needed, you can side-dress the plants with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.

Mulching

• Apply mulch around the plants to help retain moisture, keep the roots cool, and prevent weed growth, especially during the warmer months.

Pest and Disease Control

• While Red Russian kale is generally pest-resistant, it’s still susceptible to pests like aphids, cabbage worms, and slugs. Use natural pest management techniques like neem oil or companion planting with herbs like dill or garlic to help deter pests.
• To avoid diseases like downy mildew and powdery mildew, ensure that the plants have good air circulation and avoid overhead watering, which can create a favorable environment for fungal growth.

Harvesting

• Baby Greens: For tender baby kale, harvest leaves 30-40 days after sowing. These young leaves can be used in salads or smoothies for a mild, sweet taste.
• Mature Leaves: For mature leaves, harvest about 50-60 days after planting. Start from the outer leaves and work toward the center, allowing the inner leaves to continue growing.

Additional Notes

• Taste: Red Russian kale has a milder, sweeter flavor than curly kale varieties, which makes it great for raw applications like salads and wraps, or for adding to smoothies.
• Storage: Fresh Red Russian kale can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. It can also be blanched and frozen for longer storage.
• Companion Planting: Red Russian kale grows well with herbs like dill and chives, as well as peas and radishes, which help to deter pests and maximize growth.

Conclusion

Red Russian Kale is an organic, fast-growing, and nutrient-dense leafy green that is perfect for cool-season gardening. With its mild, sweet flavor and beautiful purple-veined leaves, it adds color and texture to both your garden and your plate. Whether you’re using it raw in salads or cooked in soups, this kale variety is a must-have for any gardener seeking healthy, vibrant greens.