How to Grow Red Russian Kale
Red Russian Kale
Brassica napus var. pabularia
vegetableRed Russian kale is a cold-hardy leafy green with distinctive deeply lobed, feathery leaves that display red or purple veining and stems. It has a milder, sweeter flavor than curly kale and becomes even sweeter after a frost. This heirloom variety is highly nutritious and versatile for both raw and cooked applications.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 2-10; excels in cool-season climates and becomes sweetest in zones 4-7 after frost
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Growth Stages
Seedling
10-14 daysSmall plants with 2-4 true leaves emerging; cotyledons visible in early stage
Maintain consistent moisture and warmth (60-75°F). Provide bright light to prevent leggy growth. Thin seedlings at 2-3 leaf stage to strongest plants.
Vegetative/Rosette Development
30-45 daysPlant develops characteristic deeply lobed leaves with prominent red/purple veining; forms bushy rosette of foliage
Water regularly and consistently. Begin light fertilizing every 2-3 weeks with balanced or nitrogen-rich fertilizer. Remove any damaged outer leaves. Monitor for pests weekly.
Mature Leaf Production
Until frost or boltingLarge, established plant produces abundant harvestable leaves; red coloring deepens; plant may reach 24-30 inches tall
Continue regular watering and feeding schedule. Begin harvesting outer leaves when 8-10 inches long. Harvest regularly to encourage continued production.
Cold Hardening/Flavor Development
2-4 weeks after first light frostPlant exposed to frost converts starches to sugars; leaves intensify in color and sweetness; texture becomes tender
Reduce nitrogen fertilizer to prevent winter damage. Light watering only as needed. Leaves are prime for harvest during and after frost events.
End of Season/Bolting
Variable, depends on climateIn spring, plant may send up flowering stems as temperatures warm; leaves become coarser and bitter
Harvest before bolting occurs for best flavor. In mild climates, pull plant and replant for fall harvest. Remove bolting plants to prevent self-seeding if not desired.
Common Pests
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Use row covers on young plants; apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt); hand-pick caterpillars; encourage parasitic wasps
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Use floating row covers; spray with neem oil or spinosad; apply diatomaceous earth; encourage beneficial predators
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Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap; apply neem oil; introduce ladybugs and parasitic wasps
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Hand-pick eggs and adults; plant trap crops; use row covers; spray with neem oil if infestation is heavy
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Use yellow sticky traps; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; maintain good air circulation; remove heavily infested leaves
Uses
Nutritious Salads & Raw Eating
CulinaryRed Russian kale leaves are tender enough to eat raw in salads when harvested young, with a milder, sweeter flavor than curly varieties. The distinctive red veining adds visual appeal and the tender leaves don't require the massage that curly kales need for palatability. [source]
Cooking & Smoothies
CulinaryExcellent for sautéing, steaming, braising, or adding to soups and stews. Popular ingredient in green smoothies and juices due to mild flavor. Becomes even sweeter after frost, making it ideal for roasting chips or cooked dishes in winter. [source]
Nutritional & Health Benefits
MedicinalExtremely high in vitamins A, C, K, and folate; contains calcium, iron, and potent glucosinolates with anti-inflammatory and cancer-preventive properties. Regular consumption supports bone health, immune function, and cardiovascular health. [source]
Natural Detoxification
HouseholdContains compounds that support the body's Phase 1 and Phase 2 detoxification processes. Frequently used in cleanse and detox regimens due to its concentrated phytonutrient profile. [source]
Garden Ecosystem Support
WildlifeFlowering plants attract beneficial insects including bees, hoverflies, and parasitic wasps. Serves as a nectar and pollen source for pollinators and beneficial predators. [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 they reach 8-10 inches long (approximately 45-60 days after planting). Pick from bottom up, removing 3-4 leaves per plant at each harvest to encourage continued production. Harvest in morning after dew dries for best texture. Red Russian kale becomes noticeably sweeter after exposure to frost (light freezes trigger sugar conversion). Can harvest until plant bolts in spring or temperatures exceed 75°F regularly. For best flavor and nutrition, harvest young tender leaves regularly rather than waiting for full plant maturity.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Red Russian kale was originally brought to North America by Russian traders and explorers, giving it its distinctive name; it has been a treasured heirloom variety for over 200 years
- 🌱 The sweetness of kale increases significantly after frost because cold temperatures trigger the plant to convert starches into sugars as a natural antifreeze mechanism, making winter-harvested kale noticeably sweeter than fall harvests
- 🌱 Red Russian kale is one of the most cold-hardy vegetables available, surviving temperatures down to -13°F (-10°C) and even producing harvestable leaves in snow, making it one of the last crops standing in the winter garden
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