How to Grow Red Russian Ornamental Kale
Red Russian Ornamental Kale
Brassica oleracea var. acephala
vegetableRed Russian ornamental kale is a cold-hardy brassica prized for its deeply lobed, feathery blue-green and burgundy leaves that become more vibrant after frost. Unlike heading kales, it grows as an open plant with individual stems and leaves rather than forming a compact head. It combines ornamental appeal with culinary uses and is exceptionally cold-tolerant.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-9; peak flavor and color development in zones 4-7 after frost
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Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny rounded cotyledons emerge; first true leaves appear with characteristic kale shape.
Keep soil consistently moist. Provide bright light indoors or shelter from direct sun outdoors. Thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding. Protect from slugs.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksPlant develops multiple stems with increasingly lobed leaves. Foliage is blue-green with hints of burgundy. Leaves become larger and more deeply cut.
Maintain consistent watering and fertility. Apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Pinch center stem if desired for bushier growth.
Mature Growth
6-8+ weeksPlant reaches full size with abundant feathery leaves. Color intensifies, particularly the burgundy/red tones, especially after frost or cold exposure.
Begin harvesting outer leaves from the bottom. Continue regular watering and feeding. Exposure to temperatures below 50°F enhances sweetness and color depth.
Extended Harvest
4-12+ weeks depending on climatePlant continues producing new leaves from the center. Color remains vibrant and flavors develop complexity. In mild climates, plant may overwinter.
Continue harvesting outer leaves from bottom to top. Reduce fertilizer frequency. Provide cold protection in zones below 4 if needed. Remove any yellow or damaged leaves.
Decline/Winter
Ongoing or until springIn colder zones, plant may experience slowed growth or dormancy. In mild climates, plant continues producing through winter.
Reduce watering. May require frost cloth protection in zones below 3. Plant can be left standing for late-season harvests or ornamental display.
Common Pests
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Row covers, hand-picking, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray, neem oil
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Row covers on young plants, diatomaceous earth, neem oil, kaolin clay spray
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Strong water spray, insecticidal soap, neem oil, ladybug encouragement
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and
Hand-picking, beer traps, copper tape barriers, diatomaceous earth, encouraging predators
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Yellow sticky traps, insecticidal soap, neem oil, reflective mulch
Uses
Salads & Fresh Eating
CulinaryYoung, tender leaves can be eaten raw in salads when harvested early. The feathery texture and mild flavor (especially after frost) make it excellent for fresh preparations. [source]
Cooked Greens
CulinaryMature leaves are excellent sautéed, steamed, or added to soups and stews. Flavor intensifies with cooking and becomes sweeter after cold exposure. [source]
Garden Display & Landscape
OrnamentalThe striking blue-green foliage with burgundy-red accents makes it beautiful in borders, containers, and mixed plantings. Color intensifies in fall and winter. [source]
Nutritional Health
MedicinalHigh in vitamins A, C, and K, plus calcium, iron, and antioxidants. Cold-exposed kales develop higher concentrations of beneficial compounds. [source]
Cut Arrangements
HouseholdStriking individual leaves and stem sections can be used in fall and winter floral arrangements and table displays. [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 inches tall (around 50-60 days). Pinch off lower leaves first, leaving the center intact for continued growth. Leaves become sweeter and more flavorful after frost exposure. Can be harvested continuously from late summer through winter in most zones. For maximum ornamental impact, allow plant to mature fully before harvesting.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Red Russian kale's flavor becomes noticeably sweeter after frost because the plant converts starches to sugars as an antifreeze mechanism to protect cell membranes.
- 🌱 This variety was brought to North America by Russian traders in the 19th century, hence the 'Russian' in its name, and has become increasingly popular as both a superfood and ornamental plant.
- 🌱 Red Russian kale can be left standing in the garden through winter in most zones and harvested fresh on demand, providing greens when few other fresh vegetables are available.
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