Kale Seeds For Planting, Vates Blue Scotch Curled (Brassica oleracea)

Description

Grow Vates, Blue Scotch Curled Kale from fresh Brassica oleracea seeds. Vates, Blue Scotch Curled is one of the more popular kales grown by home gardeners. It is sought after for its delicious, dark green-blue, crinkled leaves which are perfect for making kale chips. Kale can also be eaten raw, in salads or cooked in many different ways. This particular Kale is ready for harvest in roughly 55 to 60 days after first sprouts appear. Stores well.

The plants themselves reach a mature height of about 12 to 16 inches tall and can spread about 12 inches wide. If you have limited growing space in the garden, your Kale can be grown in pots or containers. Just make sure that you have roughly 1' to 1.5' cubic feet.

You might be shocked to learn that Kale is among the most nutrient dense vegetables on the planet. In fact, a single cup of Kale contains vitamins A, K, C and B6 and also contains Manganese, Calcium, Copper, Potassium and Magnesium as well. Kale, like other leafy greens, is very high in antioxidants including beta-carotene, as well as various flavonoids and polyphenols. Other benefits of consuming Kale include, reduced risk of heart disease & heart failure, as well as reduced risk of cancer.

Sowing The Seed

Kale seeds prefer a cooler climate and can be started indoors, or directly outdoors when the weather is warm and all danger of frost has passed. If sowing indoors, sow in peat pots, 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost, at a depth of 1/4" under topsoil. Transplant or direct sow outdoors after all danger of frost has passed.

Growing Conditions

Because Kale prefers cooler temperatures, grow it in an area of light to partial shade in warmer climates and in an area of full sunlight in cooler climates. A temperature of 70F is best. It is recommended to provide a loamy, well-drained soil that is low in nitrogen. So a pH level between 5.5 and 6.8 is best. Water the soil daily until germination has occurred.

Germination & Growth

Kale seeds will begin to sprout within 7 to 10 days after sowing. The plants will reach a mature height of roughly 12 to 16 inches tall and can spread 12 inches wide. Space the plants roughly 1' apart from one another in rows spaced 1.5' apart. Vates, Blue Scotch Curled produces delicious, nutrient rich leaves that are often sought after for making Kale chips. Harvest in roughly 55 to 60 days.