Everwilde Farms - 500 Red Russian Kale Seeds - Gold Vault Jumbo Bulk Seed Packet

These deep gray-green leaves with purple veins are a great colorful addition to both the vegetable garden and to the table! The mature leaves are more tender than those of other kale varieties and have a mild sweet flavor. The plants are vigorous and mature in about 50 days from transplanting. To prolong the storage life, dip leaves in cold water after harvesting. Technically a form of leafy non-heading cabbage, kale has been traced to ancient Greek and Roman civilizations. Early forms of this plant probably came from in Asia Minor or the Mediterranean region, though it is such an ancient plant no one can be sure of its origin. The first recorded mention of kale in America comes from a 1669 publication; European influence probably brought kale to America. Though kale is still a relatively minor crop in the States, it thrives in European kitchen gardens. Red Russian kale in particular is an heirloom variety that comes from the late nineteenth century, when Russian traders introduced it to Canada.