Both belong to the Russian kale group and carry relatively flat leaves with toothed margins. ‘White Russian’ differs through white veins, silvery to blue-green blades, and a habit generally taller than ‘Red Russian’, whose veins become purple. Texture and colour vary with age and cold. These differences are mainly visual and horticultural and do not prove better pest resistance without an official comparative trial.
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Russian kale with flat toothed leaves
Brassicaceae
Semences biologiques de légumes-tiges
Organic ‘White Russian’ kale (Brassica napus ‘White Russian’)
Brassica napus ‘White Russian’
Organic White Russian Kale is a hardy variety prized for its large, tender, decorative leaves. It delivers generous harvests and exceptional cold tolerance for extended autumn production.
Quantity
Approximately 200 seeds
Exposure
Full sun to light partial shade
Difficulty level
Moderate
Discover the plant
Family
Brassicaceae
Genus
Brassica
Species
oleracea var. gongylodes
Cultivar
White Russian
Type
Russian kale with flat toothed leaves
Cycle
Biennial grown as an annual
Organic ‘White Russian’ kale (Brassica napus ‘White Russian’) is a Russian-type kale with flat silvery to blue-green foliage, prominent white veins, and softly toothed margins. Taller than ‘Red Russian’, it forms an open elegant rosette whose young leaves are especially tender. Pale colouring adds contrast to vegetable gardens and edible beds. Leaves may be steamed, sautéed, braised, added to soup, or harvested young for salad.
Direct-sow as soon as soil can be worked in spring, or start plants four to six weeks before transplanting. For fall harvest, sow again from late June into early August according to region. Place in full sun or light partial shade in fertile, mature-compost-enriched, moisture-retentive, well-drained soil. Space plants approximately 30–45 cm for mature leaves and more closely for baby leaves cut early. Maintain steady moisture, mulch after establishment, and install insect netting at planting where flea beetles or cabbage butterflies are present.
Mature leaves are generally listed at approximately 60 days, while baby leaves may be taken earlier. Harvest outer leaves first while leaving the central growing point intact so the plant produces for several weeks. Light frost often improves sweetness and texture, but actual hardiness varies with acclimation, snow, and exposure. Inspect leaf undersides regularly for caterpillars and eggs, rotate Brassica crops for three to four years, and remove diseased debris.
Planting guide
From planting to establishment.
Planting depth
Approximately 1 to 2 cm (3/8 to 3/4 in)
Spacing / density
Éclaircir à environ 10 à 15 cm (4 à 6 po), avec 30 à 45 cm (12 à 18 po) entre les rangs
Establishment temperature
Approximately 10 to 24°C
Establishment time
Environ 7 à 10 jours
Best planting time
Early spring as soon as soil can be worked, then late summer for an autumn crop
Propagation
Propagated primarily by seed. Plants allowed to mature can produce viable seed for future harvests.
Growing method
Sow approximately 0.5–1 cm deep in fine soil or mix kept moist. For transplanting, start four to six weeks before the target date and harden plants gradually for one week. Transplant at four to six true leaves, 30–45 cm apart, keeping the root ball at the same level. For baby leaves, sow more densely and cut above the centre. Make a second sowing from late June into early August for fall. Water immediately, protect from flea beetles, and inspect foliage regularly.
Soil and care
The right conditions.
Exposure
Full sun to light partial shade
Soil pH
Slightly acidic to neutral
Minimum temperature
-15°C (5°F)
Watering
Keep the seedbed consistently moist until emergence, using a gentle stream so seed is not displaced. After establishment, water deeply when the top 2–3 cm begins to dry so roots grow downward rather than remain at the surface. Irregular moisture makes foliage tougher, increases bitterness, and may slow regrowth after picking. Mulch once soil has warmed to limit evaporation and splashing. Water at soil level in the morning, avoid unnecessary wet foliage, and check containers daily during hot or windy periods.
Soil type
Prepare fertile deep soil enriched with mature compost, well drained yet able to hold steady moisture. Loose loam supports vigorous roots and continuous tender-leaf production; poor sand dries too quickly and compact clay deprives roots of air. Aim for approximately pH 6.0–7.0. Do not lime without a test: a slightly higher pH may reduce clubroot risk, but excessive correction unbalances nutrients. Avoid beds recently occupied by diseased Brassicas and maintain a three- to four-year rotation.
Fertilization
Incorporate mature compost before sowing to supply nutrients for vigorous growth. A light nitrogen-rich organic fertilizer after the first harvests encourages continuous leaf production.
Seasonal care
Water regularly to keep the soil cool and encourage continuous production of tender leaves. Remove older leaves throughout the season to improve air circulation. Apply compost if growth begins to slow, and mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Monitor for flea beetles and caterpillars, and harvest frequently for the highest-quality foliage.
Container growing
A controlled environment.
Recommended pot size
At least 25 to 30 cm (10 to 12 in) deep and approximately 5 to 7 L per plant
Choose a container at least 30–40 cm deep and approximately 30 cm wide per plant with numerous drainage holes. Use rich but airy potting mix amended with mature compost and place in sun or light partial shade. Water as soon as the surface begins to dry because a restricted root ball loses moisture quickly. Apply diluted fertilizer according to label directions after several harvests if colour pales. Pick outer leaves and leave the centre growing. In hot summer weather, move the container into some afternoon shade.
Bloom and dimensions
The complete profile.
Flower color
Yellow
Foliage color
Blue-green with white veins
Foliage type
Deciduous
Growth rate
Fast
Bloom period
Yellow flowers in the second year if the plant overwinters and bolts
Fruiting
Not applicable
Harvest
Harvest baby leaves once they reach a useful size, or wait approximately 60 days for mature foliage. Cut outer leaves 2–3 cm from the stem without injuring the central bud or removing more than one-third of foliage at once. Harvest weekly during active growth. Choose firm fresh unblemished leaves and cool promptly. Wash only before use and refrigerate in a perforated bag. After light frost, taste before harvesting more because flavour often becomes sweeter.
Garden associations
What to plant with it.
Good companions
Beetroot, celery, onion
Avoid planting with
Strawberry, climbing bean, tomato
Raw sticks, salads, slaws, sautés, roasts, soups, and cooked young leaves
From the garden to inspiration.
‘White Russian’ sautéed kale — Wash 300 g sound leaves thoroughly, remove the thickest stems, and slice foliage. Heat 15 ml oil in a large pan, add one garlic clove for 30 seconds, then kale while still slightly damp. Cover for two minutes, uncover, and sauté three to five minutes until tender. Add lemon, pepper, and a small pinch of salt. Serve hot. Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and discard any slimy, mouldy, or abnormal-smelling leaf.
Frequently asked questions
Everything toknow.
This variety is prized for its tender leaves, mild flavor, and outstanding cold hardiness. It continues producing well even as autumn temperatures decline.
Yes. It performs very well in deep containers filled with fertile soil. Consistent watering encourages vigorous growth and continuous harvests.
Harvest begins about 50 to 75 days after sowing. Pick the outer leaves first to encourage continuous production of new foliage.
Yes. This open-pollinated heirloom variety produces viable seed if plants are allowed to flower and mature.
Its strengths, naturally.
Attracts or supports pollinating insects
Pollinators
