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Vegetable
Brassicaceae
Organic seeds
Les jardins de l'écoumène
Brassica oleracea ‘Dwarf Blue Scotch’
Brassica oleracea var. acephala
The kale ‘Dwarf Blue Scotch’ is an ancient and remarkably reliable variety that deserves its place in all Nordic vegetable gardens thanks to its high hardiness and abundant foliage of a deeply decorative blue-green. Cultivated for its finely curly leaves, it forms a compact, dense and elegant rosette, as beautiful in a vegetable square as in an edible shelf. Its frank and pleasant flavour improves even further after the first frosts, when the cold naturally softens its taste and makes each harvest even more tasty. Very productive, it allows you to pick the leaves as needed, thus extending the pleasure of the garden until the cool seasons.
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Discover the plant
Common nameDwarf Blue Scotch Kale
FamilyBrassicaceae
GenusBrassica
Speciesoleracea
CultivarDwarf Blue Scotch
TypeVegetable
Botanical nameBrassica oleracea var. acephala
Reproducible seedsYes
Heirloom varietyYes
Brassica oleracea ‘Dwarf Blue Scotch’ — Dwarf Blue Scotch Kale. The kale ‘Dwarf Blue Scotch’ is an ancient and remarkably reliable variety that deserves its place in all Nordic vegetable gardens thanks to its high hardiness and abundant foliage of a deeply decorative blue-green. Cultivated for its finely curly leaves, it forms a compact, dense and elegant rosette, as beautiful in a vegetable square as in an edible shelf. Its frank and pleasant flavour improves even further after the first frosts, when the cold naturally softens its taste and makes each harvest even more tasty.
Sowing kale seeds: April to July. The depth to be respected is 1 cm. Germination usually takes 3-7 days. For germination, keep the soil at 10 to 28°C (50 to 82°F). Young cabbages require light to form short, vigorous plants. Transplant before the roots become crowded, then gradually harden off the plants to outdoor conditions. Plant them in prepared soil that retains consistent moisture around the roots. Avoid crowding the plants because they are small at first: mature foliage takes up much more space as the crop develops.
Very productive, it allows you to pick the leaves as needed, thus extending the pleasure of the garden until the cool seasons. Plant cabbages in rows with enough space to inspect the base and centre of each plant. The foliage eventually covers much of the soil: weed early, before access becomes difficult. Avoid placing small, fragile crops directly under their leaves. Well-spaced planting also makes it easier to install protective netting and cut mature cabbage heads or stems at harvest. Its frank and pleasant flavour improves even further after the first frosts, when the cold naturally softens its taste and makes each harvest even more tasty.
In the garden
- Exposure
- Full sun
- Life cycle
- Biennial grown as an annual for harvest
Sowing guide
Sowing & germination
Sowing depth
1 cm
Spacing / density
45 cm (18 in) between plants
Germination temperature
10 to 28°C (50 to 82°F)
Germination time
3-7 days
Sowing period
April to July
Propagation
From seed
Growing method
Recommended planting period: April to July. The depth to be respected is 1 cm. Germination usually takes 3-7 days. For germination, keep the soil at 10 to 28°C (50 to 82°F). Young cabbages require light to form short, vigorous plants. Transplant before the roots become crowded, then gradually harden off the plants to outdoor conditions. Plant them in prepared soil that retains consistent moisture around the roots. Avoid crowding the plants because they are small at first: mature foliage takes up much more space as the crop develops. Inspect cabbage leaves, especially their undersides, for early signs of eggs, caterpillars or feeding damage. Suitable insect netting can help protect the foliage while still allowing air and light to pass through. Leave enough access to inspect the centre of the plant or its developing head. Plan to harvest while the edible parts are still at the desired stage, before they harden or open. Use a clean knife to cut without tearing the foliage you want to keep. Monitor brassica crops closely from the time they are planted in the garden. Check the undersides of the leaves for small caterpillars and the first signs of feeding damage.
Soil and care
Soil & care
Soil pH
Slightly acidic
Watering
Keep the soil consistently moist while the plants become established and while the part you intend to harvest is developing. Water at the base of the plant, providing enough to moisten the root zone, then allow the excess water to drain away. A layer of mulch can help limit drying between waterings, provided it is kept away from direct contact with the stems. Check plants growing in containers more frequently, because their potting mix can dry out quickly. Reduce watering after rainfall and avoid leaving the roots in soil that remains constantly saturated with water.
Soil type
Prepare a rich, moist, well-drained soil. Young cabbages require light to form short, vigorous plants. Transplant before the roots become crowded, then gradually harden off the plants to outdoor conditions. Plant them in prepared soil that retains consistent moisture around the roots. Avoid crowding the plants because they are small at first: mature foliage takes up much more space as the crop develops.
Fertilization
Fertilization supports growth and should take into account the nutrients already present in the soil or potting mix. Use mature compost or a fertilizer suitable for the crop, following the recommended application rate. Avoid combining too many products, especially in a container where the roots have a limited volume of growing medium. Water as needed after applying nutrients, and observe foliage growth before deciding whether another fertilizer application is necessary.
Moisture
Moist, well-drained soil
Seasonal care
Cultivated for its finely curly leaves, it forms a compact, dense and elegant rosette, as beautiful in a vegetable square as in an edible shelf. Young cabbages require light to form short, vigorous plants. Transplant before the roots become crowded, then gradually harden off the plants to outdoor conditions. Plant them in prepared soil that retains consistent moisture around the roots. Avoid crowding the plants because they are small at first: mature foliage takes up much more space as the crop develops. Inspect cabbage leaves, especially their undersides, for early signs of eggs, caterpillars or feeding damage. Suitable insect netting can help protect the foliage while still allowing air and light to pass through. Leave enough access to inspect the centre of the plant or its developing head. Plan to harvest while the edible parts are still at the desired stage, before they harden or open. Use a clean knife to cut without tearing the foliage you want to keep. Monitor brassica crops closely from the time they are planted in the garden. Check the undersides of the leaves for small caterpillars and the first signs of feeding damage. Netting put in place early can protect the crop, provided it leaves enough room for the foliage to grow. Close the edges well after treatment, without blocking the leaves against the mesh. Its frank and pleasant flavour improves even further after the first frosts, when the cold naturally softens its taste and makes each harvest even more tasty.
Container growing
Container growing
Suitable for containers
Yes
Recommended pot size
A stable container with drainage holes, enough width for the plant’s spread and sufficient depth for its roots
Choose a location in full sun. Reserve this spread around the plant: 50 to 87 cm (20 to 34 in.). In a container, give each cabbage enough space so that its foliage is not pressed against the leaves of a neighbouring plant. The pot should remain stable as the part you intend to harvest grows larger and heavier. Keep the root ball evenly moist and check the undersides of the leaves when watering the plants. Choose the container according to the plant’s mature size, even if the young plant still looks small when it is time to pot it up. The kale ‘Dwarf Blue Scotch’ is an ancient and remarkably reliable variety that deserves its place in all Nordic vegetable gardens thanks to its high hardiness and abundant foliage of a deeply decorative blue-green. Cultivated for its finely curly leaves, it forms a compact, dense and elegant rosette, as beautiful in a vegetable square as in an edible shelf. Its frank and pleasant flavour improves even further after the first frosts, when the cold naturally softens its taste and makes each harvest even more tasty. Very productive, it allows you to pick the leaves as needed, thus extending the pleasure of the garden until the cool seasons.
Bloom and dimensions
Size, flowering & harvest
Mature height
30 to 37 cm (12 to 15 in.)
Width / spread
50 to 87 cm (20 to 34 in)
Foliage type
Seasonal foliage
Growth habit
Compact rosette
Bloom period
This plant normally forms its flowers during a cycle subsequent to that of the first vegetable harvest. For the production of leaves, bulbs or roots, flowering is not the desired stage. Bolting before the intended harvest can reduce the tenderness of the parts you plan to eat. Keep plants intended for seed production separate from those grown for harvest, allowing enough room for their developing flower stems.
Fruiting
Its frank and pleasant flavour improves even further after the first frosts, when the cold naturally softens its taste and makes each harvest even more tasty. Very productive, it allows you to pick the leaves as needed, thus extending the pleasure of the garden until the cool seasons. It is versatile in the kitchen: use the young leaves raw in salads, steam them, or turn them into a batch of crisp kale chips.
Days to maturity
About 55 days
Harvest
55 days after sowing
Garden associations
Companion plants & uses
Companion plants
In a mixed planting, you can reserve sections close to these plants: lettuce, beet, onion, nasturtium. The association is used here to organize space and crops. Allow for the height, light requirements and water needs of each plant, leaving enough room between the foliage. Keep a path clear for watering and harvesting, then remove finished crops to make room for the next planting. This arrangement makes maintenance easier without promising protection against garden pests. Plant cabbages in rows with enough space to inspect the base and centre of each plant.
Garden use
Its frank and pleasant flavour improves even further after the first frosts, when the cold naturally softens its taste and makes each harvest even more tasty. Very productive, it allows you to pick the leaves as needed, thus extending the pleasure of the garden until the cool seasons. It is versatile in the kitchen: use the young leaves raw in salads, steam them, or turn them into a batch of crisp kale chips. The kale ‘Dwarf Blue Scotch’ is an ancient and remarkably reliable variety that deserves its place in all Nordic vegetable gardens thanks to its high hardiness and abundant foliage of a deeply decorative blue-green.
Recipe idea
From garden to table
Edible parts
Sheets
Recipe idea using Dwarf Blue Scotch Kale: vegetable stir-fry for four servings. Prepare 400 g of the harvested part, a clove of garlic, 15 ml of oil and 30 ml of water. Cut stems, leaf ribs or other firm parts into small pieces, and set the leaves aside to add separately. Heat the oil, sauté the garlic without burning it, then add the firm pieces and water. Cover for a few minutes. Then add the leaves or other tender parts and continue cooking until they reach the texture you prefer. Season to taste and serve hot. Prepare the ingredients with clean utensils and adapt the cut to the size of your harvest. This recipe highlights freshly picked parts: remove damaged pieces before preparation. If you double the quantities, keep enough space in the dish to mix or cook evenly. Quickly place leftovers in the refrigerator in a closed container and consume them within two days. For a two-person meal, simply divide all quantities by two.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Dwarf Blue Scotch Kale from seed?
Recommended planting period: April to July. The depth to be respected is 1 cm. Germination usually takes 3-7 days. For the seeds to germinate, maintain the potting mix at a temperature of 10 to 28°C (50 to 82°F). Give young cabbage plants enough light to help them develop into short, sturdy seedlings with vigorous growth. Transplant before the roots become crowded, then gradually harden off the plants to outdoor conditions. Plant them in prepared soil that retains consistent moisture around the roots. Avoid crowding the plants because they are small at first: mature foliage takes up much more space as the crop develops.
Can I grow Dwarf Blue Scotch Kale in a container?
Choose a location in full sun. Reserve this spread around the plant: 50 to 87 cm (20 to 34 in.). In a container, give each cabbage enough space so that its foliage is not pressed against the leaves of a neighbouring plant. The pot should remain stable as the part you intend to harvest grows larger and heavier. Keep the root ball evenly moist and check the undersides of the leaves when watering the plants. Choose the container according to the plant’s mature size, even if the young plant still looks small when it is time to pot it up. The kale ‘Dwarf Blue Scotch’ is an ancient and remarkably reliable variety that deserves its place in all Nordic vegetable gardens thanks to its high hardiness and abundant foliage of a deeply decorative blue-green.
When can I harvest Dwarf Blue Scotch Kale?
Its frank and pleasant flavour improves even further after the first frosts, when the cold naturally softens its taste and makes each harvest even more tasty. Very productive, it allows you to pick the leaves as needed, thus extending the pleasure of the garden until the cool seasons. It is versatile in the kitchen: use the young leaves raw in salads, steam them, or turn them into a batch of crisp kale chips. Monitor brassica crops closely from the time they are planted in the garden. Check the undersides of the leaves for small caterpillars and the first signs of feeding damage. Netting put in place early can protect the crop, provided it leaves enough room for the foliage to grow.
What makes Dwarf Blue Scotch Kale distinctive in the garden?
The kale ‘Dwarf Blue Scotch’ is an ancient and remarkably reliable variety that deserves its place in all Nordic vegetable gardens thanks to its high hardiness and abundant foliage of a deeply decorative blue-green. Cultivated for its finely curly leaves, it forms a compact, dense and elegant rosette, as beautiful in a vegetable square as in an edible shelf. Its frank and pleasant flavour improves even further after the first frosts, when the cold naturally softens its taste and makes each harvest even more tasty. Very productive, it allows you to pick the leaves as needed, thus extending the pleasure of the garden until the cool seasons.
How do I arrange a planting of Dwarf Blue Scotch Kale?
At planting, plan 45 cm (18 in) between the plants. Plant cabbages in rows with enough space to inspect the base and centre of each plant. The foliage eventually covers much of the soil: weed early, before access becomes difficult. Avoid placing small, fragile crops directly under their leaves. Well-spaced planting also makes it easier to install protective netting and cut mature cabbage heads or stems at harvest. Inspect cabbage leaves, especially their undersides, for early signs of eggs, caterpillars or feeding damage. Suitable insect netting can help protect the foliage while still allowing air and light to pass through.
Outils
Compostage et écologie
