Description

RED URSA KALE is an award-winning Frank Morton open-pollinated 20th Century introduction that is a stabilized cross of Red Russian and True Siberian and it is destined for heirloom status. A must for your winter garden, but can also be grown in spring for baby size. Tender enough to use in salads and beautiful to behold. The emerald green to dark blue deeply lobed, frilly leaves are tinged with lavender to magenta (colors are dependent on weather), so they are fabulous in stir fries as well. 65 days to full grown 24" - 30" size. 50 seeds.

ABOUT KALE: An ancient cultivar, Kale is easy to grow and the hardiest of vegetables! Although a member of the cabbage family it is rarely bothered by pests, other than the four-footed kind. Last year we had a major thrips infestation but the kale was untouched. One of the most nutritious vegetables, high in antioxidants and is an anti-inflammatory. High in beta-carotene, Vitamins K, A, C, lutein, and zeaxanthin and fairly rich in calcium. The root has been used historically as a medicinal to treat chronic coughs and topically for skin disorders and rheumatism.

GROWING TIPS: Kale likes a rich, sweet soil, with pH of 6-7 and a sunny position. Flavor is best if it grows quickly. Thrives in cool weather and is improved by cold weather. Plant out as soon as ground can be worked. It is very frost tolerant. Sow 1/4" - 1/2" deep, 1" apart in rows 18-30" apart. Thin to 8-12" apart. Provide even moisture. As soon as it is 6" high, you can begin harvesting lower leaves. Or wait until the plant is mature and harvest entirely, preferably after a frost has touched it. OR, leave one plant in place to mature to seed stage in Spring.