How to Grow East Lothian Mixed
East Lothian Mixed
Brassica oleracea var. acephala
vegetableEast Lothian Mixed is a heritage variety of kale originating from Scotland, prized for its tender, deeply crinkled leaves and mild, sweet flavor. This cold-hardy brassica produces abundant leafy greens ideal for cooking, salads, and winter harvests. It's a reliable, productive heirloom that thrives in cool seasons and improves in flavor after frost.
When should you plant East Lothian Mixed in your zone?
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Example East Lothian Mixed timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant East Lothian Mixed
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest East Lothian Mixed
Around Jun 11≈ 55 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact East Lothian Mixed dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9, especially in cool-season climates; excellent for fall and winter growing
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Get my East Lothian Mixed timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
3-4 weeksTiny cotyledons emerge, followed by first true leaves. Plants develop a small rosette of fuzzy, blue-green foliage.
Keep soil consistently moist. Provide bright light indoors (14-16 hours). Thin seedlings to prevent crowding. Begin hardening off 7-10 days before transplanting.
Establishment
2-3 weeksTransplanted seedlings develop a stronger root system and begin producing more true leaves. Growth accelerates once plants establish in the garden.
Water regularly but allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Apply mulch around base. Monitor for cabbage worm and flea beetle damage. Thin if needed.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksPlant produces abundant deeply crinkled, blue-green leaves in a rosette formation. Foliage becomes progressively darker and more textured.
Fertilize every 2-3 weeks with balanced or nitrogen-rich fertilizer. Ensure consistent watering. Remove any yellowing lower leaves. Weed regularly.
Peak Maturity
4-8 weeks or until hard freezePlant reaches full size with dense rosette of mature, intensely crinkled leaves. Flavor sweetens after light frost.
Begin selective harvesting of outer leaves. Plant tolerates cold temperatures well. Flavor improves after 1-2 light frosts. Continue watering during dry spells.
Extended Harvest
8-12+ weeksLeaves can be continuously harvested throughout fall and even winter in milder zones. Older leaves become tougher but remain edible.
Harvest outer leaves regularly to encourage new growth. Protect in severe freezes with row cover if needed. Stop harvesting 4-6 weeks before final expected frost.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Floating row covers over young plants; Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) spray; handpicking; parasitic wasps
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Row covers on seedlings; diatomaceous earth; neem oil; companion planting with garlic or dill
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Bt spray; handpicking; row covers; encourage natural predators
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Handpicking and destroying; reflective mulches; row covers; removal of weeds
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Strong water spray; insecticidal soap; neem oil; ladybugs; parasitic wasps
Uses
Fresh & Cooked Greens
CulinaryEast Lothian Mixed kale is versatile in the kitchen: eat raw in salads when young and tender, or cook mature leaves by sautéing, steaming, or adding to soups and stews. The sweet, mild flavor and tender texture distinguish it from harsher kale varieties. [source]
Kale Chips & Crisps
CulinaryThe deeply crinkled leaves crisp up beautifully when baked or dehydrated. Toss with oil and seasonings for healthy snacks that retain nutrients. [source]
Nutritional Powerhouse
MedicinalRich in vitamins K, A, and C, as well as calcium, iron, and glucosinolates with potential anti-cancer properties. Regular consumption supports bone health, immune function, and antioxidant protection. [source]
Winter Food Security
HouseholdEast Lothian Mixed extends the growing season into late fall and winter, providing fresh homegrown greens when other vegetables are scarce. It's a heritage variety well-suited to traditional succession planting. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeIf left to bolt, kale produces yellow flowers attractive to bees and other pollinators. It also hosts beneficial insects like parasitic wasps that prey on garden pests. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Begin harvesting outer leaves when 4-6 inches long, typically 8-10 weeks after transplanting. Pinch or cut leaves at the base of the stem. Harvest regularly to encourage new growth. Inner leaves are more tender. Flavor improves significantly after light frost. Continue harvesting until a hard freeze kills the plant or until late winter/early spring when flowering begins.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 East Lothian Mixed originates from the East Lothian region of Scotland and is one of the oldest documented kale varieties, with recorded cultivation dating back centuries in Scottish gardens.
- 🌱 Kale's flavor actually becomes sweeter after a hard frost, as plants convert starches to sugars as a natural antifreeze mechanism—making this variety perfect for late-season harvests.
- 🌱 All parts of the plant are edible: the leaves for cooking, the flowers for garnish and pollinators, and even the seeds can be sprouted for microgreens.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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