Kale, Scarlet

Kale, Scarlet
(Brassica oleracea var. acephala)

Scarlet Kale is a striking curly kale variety known for its deep purple-red leaves and excellent cold tolerance. The tightly ruffled foliage intensifies in color as temperatures cool, making it both a productive food crop and a beautiful addition to fall and winter gardens. With a rich flavor and hearty texture, Scarlet Kale performs well in a wide range of culinary uses.

Key Characteristics

• Deep Purple Curly Leaves
  Tightly curled leaves develop a vibrant burgundy to deep purple color, especially in cool weather. The dramatic foliage adds strong visual contrast to vegetable beds and edible landscapes.
• Cold Hardy & Frost Sweetened
  Scarlet Kale thrives in cool conditions and becomes sweeter after exposure to frost. Its hardiness allows harvests well into late fall and winter in many regions.
• Rich Flavor for Cooking
  Leaves are hearty with a robust kale flavor. Excellent for sautéing, soups, stews, roasting, and nutrient-dense greens dishes.
• Productive Upright Plants
  Plants grow upright and produce abundant leaves over a long harvest window. Harvest outer leaves regularly to encourage continued growth.

Product Details

• Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea var. acephala
• Native Range: Mediterranean (widely 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: ~60–70 days
• USDA Hardiness Zones: Grown as an 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 strong leaf development. Harvest outer leaves frequently to encourage new growth. In permaculture systems, rotate kale with legumes or integrate into cool-season beds for continuous leafy green production.

Scarlet Kale combines bold color, cold resilience, and rich flavor—an excellent kale for productive cool-season gardens.