How to Grow Kale Scarlet Russian
Kale Scarlet Russian
Brassica oleracea var. acephala
vegetableScarlet Russian kale is a cold-hardy, non-heading brassica with deeply lobed, feathery leaves that display striking red or purple coloring, especially after frost. This nutritious leafy green is prized for its tender texture, mild flavor, and dramatic appearance in both garden and kitchen. It's an excellent cool-season crop that becomes sweeter as temperatures drop.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-9; best in zones 3-8 as a fall/winter crop
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Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny cotyledons emerge, followed by the first true leaves with serrated edges. Plants are fragile and low to soil.
Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Maintain 65-75°F for germination. Provide bright light as soon as sprouted. Thin seedlings to prevent damping off.
Vegetative Growth
3-5 weeksTrue leaves develop their characteristic deeply lobed, feathery shape. Plant grows stockier and develops multiple leaf layers. Color begins to show hints of red/purple.
Water deeply and consistently. Apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks (high nitrogen for leaf growth). Remove any yellow or damaged leaves. Mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Mature Plant
4-8 weeks (can extend into winter)Plant reaches full size with abundant deeply-lobed leaves displaying vibrant red, purple, and green coloring. Leaves are tender and densely packed.
Begin harvesting outer leaves while maintaining plant vigor. Ensure consistent watering—stress reduces leaf quality. Red coloring intensifies with cool temperatures and light frost. Continue fertilizing every 3-4 weeks.
Peak Harvest
4-12 weeks (depending on season and climate)Plant is at maximum vigor and leaf production. Color is most vibrant, especially after frost. Leaves are tender, flavorful, and reach optimal nutritional content.
Harvest regularly from bottom to top to encourage continued production. In cold climates, plants can be harvested through first snow. Provide overhead protection if temperatures drop below 0°F for extended periods.
Late Season
Variable; 4-8 weeks or longerDepending on climate, plant may flower or slowly decline as daylength increases or extreme cold arrives. In mild climates, productivity continues. Color may fade or intensify depending on conditions.
In cold climates, harvest before hard freezes or mulch heavily to extend season. In mild climates, continue harvesting. Stop fertilizing in late fall/winter to avoid tender new growth.
Common Pests
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Row covers in spring; hand-pick eggs and caterpillars; bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray; encourage parasitic wasps
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Row covers; Bt spray; neem oil; hand-pick caterpillars; encourage natural predators like parasitic wasps
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Row covers over young plants; spinosad spray; kaolin clay; diatomaceous earth; reflective mulch
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Strong water spray; insecticidal soap; neem oil; encourage ladybugs and lacewings; reflective mulch
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Row covers; Bt spray; spinosad; pheromone traps; crop rotation; reflective mulch
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Hand-pick bugs and egg clusters; row covers; reflective mulch; neem oil; remove plant debris
Uses
Raw salads and slaws
CulinaryThe tender, lobed leaves with mild flavor and slight peppery notes are excellent in fresh salads, coleslaws, and raw vegetable bowls, especially when picked young. The striking red coloring adds visual drama to plates. [source]
Sautéed and braised dishes
CulinaryThe tender texture makes Scarlet Russian ideal for quick sautéing with garlic and oil, braising with stock, or adding to soups and grain bowls. Unlike tougher kale varieties, it requires minimal cooking time. [source]
Nutritional powerhouse
MedicinalKale is extremely high in vitamins K, A, C, and minerals like calcium, iron, and magnesium. The dark red pigmentation from anthocyanins provides additional antioxidant benefits. Regular kale consumption supports bone health, immune function, and cardiovascular health. [source]
Decorative edible garnish
HouseholdThe striking red and purple foliage makes Scarlet Russian kale an attractive ornamental edible suitable for decorative trays, plating, and garden display. The feathery, deeply-lobed leaves add visual interest to any presentation. [source]
Smoothies and juices
CulinaryYoung, tender Scarlet Russian leaves are milder and sweeter than other kale varieties, making them excellent for blending into green smoothies and fresh juices without an overly bitter taste. [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 leaves once plant has 6-8 true leaves (about 4-5 weeks after transplanting). Pick outer leaves first from the bottom, working upward—this encourages continued productivity from the center. Leaves are most tender in cool weather; harvest in early morning for best quality. Scarlet Russian can be harvested continuously for months. After frost (around 28-32°F), sweetness increases dramatically due to starch conversion to sugars. Plants can often be harvested through winter in zones 7-9 and into early spring in colder zones. For baby leaf harvests, cut entire plant at soil level when 4-6 inches tall.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Scarlet Russian kale becomes noticeably sweeter after a hard frost (below 28°F) because the plant converts starches to sugars as an antifreeze mechanism—this same process makes winter harvests the most flavorful.
- 🌱 Unlike heading cabbages and kale varieties, Scarlet Russian is a non-heading 'tree kale' that can produce leaves for many months continuously, with some plants thriving for over a year in mild climates.
- 🌱 The ornamental, deeply lobed leaves of Scarlet Russian kale are sometimes used in flower arrangements and decorative displays, as the striking red coloring and feathery texture remain visually appealing even after harvest.
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