Red Russian Kale
Brassica napus
BRASS-ih-kuh NAY-pus
Edibles: Leafy Green
Kale
Min. Temp
Frost Tolerant: 24°
One of the hardiest and most tender-leaved of all kales, this variety is originally from Siberia and was brought to Canada by Russian traders around 1885. Its beautiful, frilly, purple-veined, blue-green leaves are tinged with red-purple and resemble oak leaves. Considered to be highly nutritious with powerful antioxidant properties. It’s also prized for its ability to be eaten as a baby leaf or if left to fully mature, it maintains its amazing sweet flavor. Purple stems support green leaves that are flat and toothed with purple veins.
Appearance
Summer Foliage
Variegated
Fall Foliage
Red
Flower Color
Yellow
Blooming Time
Early Spring - Late Spring
Habit
Mounding
Height
6–12 in
Spread
12–18 in
Form
Rosette
Characteristics
Type
Open-Pollinated
Safety
Edible Parts
Growth Rate
Moderate
Tolerance/Resistance
Cold Hardy
Attracts
Attracts Beneficial Insects
Uses/Placement
Culinary
Optimal Growing Conditions
Sun Exposure
Full Sun: 8-12 hrs
Soil Texture
Loamy
Soil Drainage
Moderately well-drained
Soil Moisture
Average
Soil PH
Slightly Acidic: 6.0-6.5
PH Tolerance
Prefers slightly acidic soil
PH Correction
High pH can reduce nutrient uptake
Soil Amendment(s)
Compost
Fertilizer
Heavy Feeder
Fertilizer Formula
Rooting & Blooming
Fertilizer Timing
Early Spring
Micronutrients
Boron (B)
Care
Care Level
Low
Behavior and Propagation
Spreading
Non-Spreading
Propagation Method
Benefits from Pollinators
Propagation Licensing
Open propagation permitted
Division Timing
Red Russian Kale
Fruit and Pollination
Days to Harvest
50 Days
Fruit Size
Large
Fruit Characteristics
Mild
Ploidy
Diploid