How to Grow Kale Scarlet Winterbor

Kale Scarlet Winterbor

Brassica oleracea var. acephala

vegetable

Scarlet Winterbor is a cold-hardy kale variety with deeply frilled, burgundy-red leaves that become sweeter after frost exposure. This ornamental yet edible brassica is prized for its striking appearance and tender texture, making it ideal for both culinary use and decorative garden plantings. It thrives in cool weather and can tolerate temperatures well below freezing.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily minimum; tolerates partial shade

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Water: Consistent moisture; 1-1.5 inches per week. Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. More frequent watering needed during hot spells.

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Spacing: 12-18 inches between plants in rows 24-36 inches apart inches

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Days to maturity: 55-75 days to first harvest; continues producing through winter

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Planting depth: ¼ inch for seeds; transplants planted at same depth as container

Soil

Type: Well-draining, fertile loamy soil rich in organic matter

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

Compost aged manure kelp meal bone meal

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Zones 2-9; performs exceptionally well in zones 3-7 with extended harvest into winter

2a 2b 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b

Growth Stages

Seedling

7-10 days

Tiny leaves emerge with cotyledons; plant is delicate and low-growing

Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light to prevent leggy growth. Thin seedlings to prevent crowding.

Early Vegetative

20-30 days

True leaves develop; plant forms a low rosette of emerging frilled leaves with reddish tones

Maintain consistent moisture and fertility. Apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Watch for flea beetles and row cover if needed.

Mid Vegetative/Growth

15-25 days

Plant develops characteristic deep burgundy-red, heavily frilled leaves. Plant grows taller with dense foliage formation.

Support soil fertility with nitrogen-rich applications. Mulch around base to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Scout for cabbage worms and other pests.

Mature Growth

Variable; extends through winter in cold climates

Full-sized plant with 12-24 inches height, abundant deep red frilly leaves, color intensifies with cold exposure

Begin harvesting outer leaves. Flavor improves after frost; sweeter with sugars produced in response to cold stress. Continue regular watering.

Harvest/Production

60+ days

Plant produces continuously; outer leaves can be harvested while plant continues growing and producing new inner leaves

Harvest regularly to encourage continued production. Pick leaves in morning after dew dries. Plant may last 6+ months in mild climates.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Beets carrots cucumber garlic leeks nasturtiums oregano thyme turnips celery

Avoid planting near:

Pole beans strawberries fennel dill tomatoes peppers

Common Pests

Use row covers on seedlings; apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray; hand-pick caterpillars; encourage parasitic wasps
Row covers for young plants; neem oil spray; diatomaceous earth; reflective mulch; encourage beneficial insects
Strong water spray to dislodge; insecticidal soap; neem oil; encourage ladybugs and lacewings
Bacillus thuringiensis spray; hand-picking; spinosad; encourage natural predators
Row covers; root barriers with diatomaceous earth; crop rotation; remove infested plants

Uses

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Raw and Cooked Greens

Culinary

Versatile in salads, smoothies, sautés, soups, and chips. The tender texture and burgundy color make it attractive plated raw, while cooking mellows the slightly bitter notes. Flavor sweetens significantly after frost. [source]

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Nutritional and Anti-inflammatory Support

Medicinal

High in vitamins K, C, and A; contains glucosinolates with potential cancer-fighting properties. Rich in antioxidants and minerals including calcium and iron. [source]

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Kale Chips and Snacks

Culinary

Leaves can be tossed with oil and salt, then roasted into crispy chips. The frilled surface creates excellent texture variation when crisped. [source]

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Ornamental Garnish and Display

Household

The striking burgundy-red deeply frilled foliage makes this variety beautiful as a decorative garden element and elegant as a serving platter garnish. Cold weather intensifies color vibrancy. [source]

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Beneficial Insect Attraction

Wildlife

Kale flowers (if left to bolt) attract pollinators and beneficial insects. The plant's nectar and pollen support honeybees, bumblebees, and predatory wasps that control 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 plant is 6-8 weeks old; snap or cut leaves at the base. Harvest in morning for best texture and flavor. Most tender leaves are outer ones. Plant continues producing for months; sweeter after frost exposure (below 40°F triggers sugar production). Can harvest from same plant throughout season by continually removing outer leaves. Best flavor occurs after several frosts.

Fun Facts

🌱 Scarlet Winterbor's color deepens and flavor sweetens dramatically after exposure to frost, as the plant converts starches to sugars for freeze protection—a natural cryoprotectant mechanism.
🌱 Kale is one of the most nutrient-dense vegetables available, with more vitamin K per serving than most other foods, and a single cup of raw Scarlet Winterbor provides well over 1000% of daily recommended intake.
🌱 This variety can survive temperatures as low as -10°F to 0°F, making it one of the last vegetables available in northern winter gardens and providing fresh harvests when most other crops have failed.

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