Kale, Red Russian

Kale, Red Russian
(Brassica napus var. pabularia)

Red Russian Kale is a beautiful heirloom variety recognized for its deeply lobed blue-green leaves and striking purple-red stems. Known for its tender texture and mild flavor, it is one of the most versatile kales for both fresh and cooked use. Exceptionally cold hardy, Red Russian thrives in cool weather and becomes sweeter after frost.

Key Characteristics

• Tender, Mild Leaves
  Compared to many curly kales, Red Russian has softer, more delicate leaves with a mild, slightly sweet flavor. Young leaves are excellent in salads, while mature leaves are ideal for sautéing, soups, and steaming.
• Beautiful Red Stems & Veins
  Distinctive reddish-purple stems and leaf veins contrast with blue-green foliage, making this kale both productive and visually striking in the garden.
• Cold Hardy & Frost Sweetened
  One of the most cold-tolerant kale varieties. Leaves become sweeter and more flavorful after exposure to frost, extending harvests deep into fall and winter.
• Fast Growing & Productive
  Establishes quickly and produces abundant harvestable leaves over a long season. Regular picking encourages continued growth.

Product Details

• Botanical Name: Brassica napus var. pabularia
• Native Range: Northern Europe (cultivated worldwide)
• Plant Life Cycle: Biennial grown as an annual
• Sun Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Requirements: Medium to medium-wet, fertile, well-drained
• Mature Height: 2–3 feet
• Bloom Time: April–May (second year if overwintered)
• Bloom Color: Yellow
• Days to Maturity: ~50–60 days
• USDA Hardiness Zones: Grown as annual in zones 3–10; overwintering possible in zones 7–10

Direct sow in early spring or late summer for fall harvest. Maintain fertile soil and consistent moisture for best leaf production. Harvest outer leaves regularly to extend the harvest season. In permaculture systems, rotate kale with legumes or integrate into cool-season beds for steady leafy green production.

Red Russian Kale offers beauty, tenderness, and outstanding cold tolerance—an excellent kale for gardeners seeking flavor and extended seasonal harvests.