Dwarf Kale 'Blue Curled'
description
Kale 'Blue Curled Nain' (Brassica oleracea var. acephala) – Submitted by Le Potager Ornemental de Catherine
'Blue Curled Nain' kale is a compact, hardy variety known for its finely curled blue-green leaves and ability to withstand cold . Introduced before 1865 , this heirloom variety is prized for its sweet flavor, which intensifies after a frost .
Suitable for small spaces and pot growing , it grows without the need for stakes and can overwinter in zone 5 and above . When grown indoors , it continues to produce throughout the winter, and placed in the dark, it develops almost white leaves with an even sweeter flavor .
Characteristics of the variety
Type: Biennial (overwinters in zone 5 and above)
Height: 45 to 75 cm
Width: 45 to 75 cm
Maturity: 60 days
Foliage: Blue-green, finely curled
Hardiness: Cold resistant, tolerates winter well
Use: Fresh, sautéed, in chips, in soup
Attractiveness: Compact, grows well in containers, flavor improved by cold
Quantity per sachet: ± 200 seeds
Origin: Heritage variety introduced before 1865
Cultivation method
?? Exposure: Full sun or partial shade, well-drained and rich soil
?? Sowing:
• Indoors: 4 to 6 weeks before transplanting
• Outdoors: Direct sowing or transplanting from 3 weeks before the last frost
?? Sowing depth: 6 mm
?? Germination temperature: 15-20°C
? Germination time: 5 to 10 days
?? Spacing: 30 cm between plants
?? Winter Growing: Can be grown indoors in winter , or overwintered outdoors in zone 5 and above
With optimal conditions, germination reaches 89% (January 2025) , ensuring vigorous growth and a prolonged harvest .
Use and special features
?? A nutritious and tasty vegetable
Rich in vitamins and antioxidants , it is delicious in salads, stir-fries, soups or as kale chips .
?? An ultra-adaptable kale
It grows in open ground or in pots , withstands cold , and continues to produce in winter indoors.
?? A flavor that evolves with the climate
Frosts soften its taste , and grown in the dark it becomes almost white with a milder flavor .
