Vates Blue Curled Scotch

Vates Blue Curled Scotch is an organic variety of kale known for its vibrant blue-green, curly leaves and excellent cold-hardiness. This classic kale is a popular choice among gardeners for its beautiful appearance, nutritional value, and versatility in the kitchen. It produces large, tightly curled leaves that are perfect for both ornamental and edible purposes.

Key Benefits

• Cold-Hardy: Vates Blue Curled Scotch kale thrives in cool temperatures and can withstand frost, often becoming sweeter after exposure to cold. It is ideal for fall and winter gardens.
• Vibrant Appearance: With its blue-green, curly leaves, this kale adds a striking touch to any garden, making it not only a nutritious food source but also a beautiful decorative plant.
• High in Nutrients: Like other kale varieties, Vates Blue Curled Scotch is loaded with vitamins A, C, K, fiber, and iron, providing a healthy addition to your diet.
• Tender Texture: The curly, ruffled leaves of this kale are tender and mildly flavored, making it great for both raw and cooked dishes.
• Versatile in the Kitchen: This kale variety is perfect for salads, smoothies, soups, sautés, and even as a crispy snack when baked into chips.

Planting Instructions

Planting Season

• Vates Blue Curled Scotch kale is best planted in early spring or late summer/early fall, making it ideal for a winter harvest. It performs well in cool weather and can withstand light frosts.

Planting Details

• Seed Depth: Plant seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep into the soil.
• Spacing: Space plants about 12-18 inches apart to allow for proper growth and airflow.
• Sunlight: Kale prefers full sun to partial shade. While it tolerates some shade, it thrives best in direct sunlight.

Care Instructions

Watering

• Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid over-watering, which can lead to root rot. Regular watering is essential, especially during dry spells.

Fertilizing

• Prepare the soil with organic compost before planting to ensure good nutrient levels. You can also side-dress the plants with a balanced fertilizer midway through the growing season to encourage healthy growth.

Mulching

• Apply mulch around the plants to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain cooler soil temperatures, particularly in warmer months.

Pest and Disease Control

• Pests: Vates Blue Curled Scotch kale is susceptible to aphids, cabbage worms, and slugs. Use natural pest control like neem oil or companion planting with herbs like dill or garlic to keep pests at bay.
• Diseases: Ensure proper air circulation around the plants to prevent fungal diseases such as powdery mildew. Avoid overhead watering and keep the area around the kale clear of debris to reduce disease risk.

Harvesting

• Baby Kale: For baby kale, harvest the leaves 30-40 days after sowing, when they are small, tender, and perfect for fresh salads or smoothies.
• Mature Kale: For mature leaves, harvest around 50-70 days after planting. Start from the outer leaves and leave the center to continue growing.

Additional Notes

• Flavor: The curly, deeply lobed leaves of this kale variety have a mild, slightly sweet flavor, making it more palatable for those who may find other kale varieties too bitter.
• Storage: Fresh kale can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. For longer storage, kale can be blanched and frozen.
• Companion Planting: Vates Blue Curled Scotch kale grows well with beets, onions, radishes, and herbs like dill and oregano. Avoid planting it near tomatoes, which may attract similar pests.

Conclusion

Vates Blue Curled Scotch is a highly versatile and hardy kale variety that is perfect for both gardeners and home cooks. Its beautiful curly leaves, coupled with its cold-hardiness and nutritional benefits, make it a great addition to any garden. Whether you enjoy it fresh in salads or cooked into dishes, this organic kale will provide fresh, flavorful greens throughout the growing season.