Kale, White Russian

Kale, White Russian
(Brassica napus var. pabularia)

White Russian Kale is a tender-leafed heirloom kale closely related to Red Russian, known for its pale green leaves and white stems. This variety is especially valued for its mild flavor and delicate texture, making it one of the best kales for fresh salads. Highly cold tolerant and productive, White Russian thrives in cool-season gardens and becomes sweeter after frost.

Key Characteristics

• Tender, Mild Leaves
  Compared to many kales, White Russian has soft, thin leaves with a mild, slightly sweet flavor. Excellent for fresh salads when young and equally suited for sautéing, soups, and steaming as leaves mature.
• Beautiful Pale Green Foliage
  Leaves are deeply lobed with light green color and creamy white stems. The elegant foliage adds visual contrast in mixed vegetable beds and edible landscapes.
• Extremely Cold Hardy
  This variety performs exceptionally well in cold weather and often survives deep into winter. Leaves become noticeably sweeter after exposure to frost.
• Fast Growing & Productive
  Plants establish quickly and produce abundant harvestable leaves over a long season. Regular harvesting encourages continued leaf production.

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 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 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.

White Russian Kale offers exceptional tenderness, cold resilience, and steady harvests—an excellent kale for both fresh salads and cooked dishes.