KALE ‘Red Russian’ Vegetable Seeds
Also known as ‘Ragged Jack’
- Colourful, hardy variety with blue-green leaves and striking purple veins.
- Leaves are tender with frilly edges and a sweeter flavour than Scotch kales.
- Perfect for baby leaf salads, garnishes, or mature winter greens.
- Rich in folate, vitamins K and C, calcium, iodine, and iron.
- Tolerant of both heat and frost, growing well in all Australian climates.
- Highly productive, suitable for year-round sowing in many regions.
Plant Details
- Plant Type: Cool-season annual leafy green
- Plant Height: Up to 60 cm
Sowing Information
- Germination: 5–10 days (optimal soil temperature 10–25°C)
- Depth: 0.5 cm deep
- Position: Full sun to partial shade
- Sow Where: Directly into garden beds or seed trays; keep soil moist until emergence
- Soil Type: Rich, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter and pH 6.0–7.5
- Spacing: 30–45 cm between plants, rows 45–60 cm apart
Growing Tips
- Water regularly to maintain steady growth, especially in dry conditions.
- Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
- Harvest outer leaves as needed to encourage continuous production.
- Protect young seedlings from pests like caterpillars and aphids.
Harvest
50–65 days after sowing. Pick outer leaves as needed or harvest whole plants when mature.
When to Sow Kale in Your Climate
| Climate Zone | Best Planting Time | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Temperate | August–May | Sow in cooler months. Keep soil moist to prevent bitterness. |
| Subtropical | March–June | Plant during cooler seasons. Mulch well to maintain moisture. |
| Tropical | March–July | Grow during the coolest part of the year. Provide partial shade if needed. |
| Cool | January–April | Sow as soon as soil can be worked. Protect young seedlings from frost. |
| Arid | March–August | Sow during cooler periods. Water regularly and mulch heavily. |