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Visuel principal associé à Chou frisé 'Red Russian', semences offertes par Cutleaf Seed. Cette image accompagne la fiche pour relier clairement le produit à son emballage ou à la culture présentée. Elle complète les renseignements de semis, de culture et de récolte, sans remplacer les indications propres au lot ni les conseils détaillés figurant sur le sachet.

Vegetable seeds

Organic seeds

Kale 'Red Russian' (Brassica oleracea)

Name: Kale 'Red Russian' (Brassica oleracea)
Brand: Cutleaf Seed
SKU: NOW00078
Price: 4.49 CAD
Availability: InStock

Product code : NORWI-0030

'Red Russian' kale is a leafy vegetable from Cutleaf Seed intended for the kitchen garden. This sheet gathers the essential guidelines for preparing sowing, choosing a consistent location, and organizing care throughout the season. It emphasizes observation, measured watering, and harvesting at the right stage, under conditions adapted to Quebec. Regular observations allow for adjusting care without overloading the soil. In Quebec, actual weather remains the best guide for adapting the schedule. Clean mulch then helps stabilize moisture and limit splashing. Attentive harvesting promotes quality and simplifies crop monitoring.

Common nameKale 'Red Russian'

CultivarRed Russian

TypeVegetable seeds

Reproducible seedsYes

Heirloom varietyYes

'Red Russian' Kale

The 'Red Russian' Kale (Brassica oleracea) is a cherished heirloom variety known for its decorative green leaves with a reddish-purple hue, which become even more vibrant in cool autumn weather. This kale grows up to 2.5 feet tall and has a mild, slightly nutty flavor. Its tender leaves are perfect for fresh salads, stir-fries, and stews, adding both texture and color to your meals.

Spacing: 12 to 18 inches between plants and rows
Plant height: up to 2.5 feet
Packet size: About 200 seeds
Companion plants: Beets, celery, onions
Enemy plants: Strawberries, beans, tomatoes

Growing Tips:
Direct sow seeds after the risk of frost or start indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost. Plant seeds 1/2 inch deep in loose, well-drained soil. Grow in full sun and harvest leaves as soon as they reach the desired size. For optimal flavor, harvest after the first frost.

Sowing guide

It all startswith a seed.

Growing method

To grow 'Red Russian' kale, start by sowing directly or transplanting depending on the season. Prepare a fine surface substrate, free of large clumps, and follow the depth indicated on the packet when available. Maintain consistent moisture during germination, without leaving standing water. After emergence, provide sufficient light and adequate air circulation. Gradually acclimate seedlings raised indoors before planting them in the garden. Establish the crop in cool, bright soil without excessive heat, space the plants according to their actual growth, and keep the area weeded. Observe the leaves, stems, and soil before each intervention. A light mulch can stabilize moisture once the soil has warmed. Avoid strong, repeated fertilizations; mature compost incorporated in moderation is often sufficient in living soil. Harvest the leaves at the desired stage using clean tools. Note the dates of sowing, emergence, and first harvest in order to refine the schedule for your garden in Quebec. Regular observations allow for adjusting care without overloading the soil. In Quebec, actual weather remains the best guide for adapting the schedule.

Soil and care

The right care,at the right time.

Watering

Water 'Red Russian' kale gently after sowing, then keep the area consistently moist during germination. Once the plants are established, water more deeply and less frequently, depending on the weather and drainage. Check the soil before adding water. Avoid prolonged saturation and, if possible, direct water to the soil rather than the foliage. Regular monitoring allows you to adjust care without overwatering the soil.

Soil type

For 'Red Russian' kale, favor loose, moderately fertile, and well-drained soil. Add mature compost sparingly and avoid amendments that make the soil waterlogged. The structure should allow roots to spread and water to infiltrate. Correct drainage before sowing rather than trying to compensate later with irregular watering. Regular observations allow for care to be adjusted without overloading the soil.

Fertilization

Before planting 'Red Russian' kale, incorporate a reasonable amount of mature compost if the soil requires it. Subsequently, observe growth before fertilizing. Excess nitrogen can promote abundant foliage at the expense of the desired harvest. In containers, use a balanced, diluted supplement according to the product label, without unnecessarily increasing applications. Regular observations allow for adjustments in care without overloading the soil.

Seasonal care

At the beginning of the season, prepare loose, well-draining, and moderately amended soil for 'Red Russian' kale. Plan sowing based on actual temperatures rather than a fixed date, and keep the surface moist during germination. Once sprouted, ensure sufficient light and thin out overcrowded seedlings. When transplanting, gradually acclimate the plants to the sun, wind, and cool nights. In spring and early summer, weed while the weeds are small, inspect the undersides of leaves, and water deeply when the soil begins to dry. During hot periods, monitor containers more closely and replace mulch if it has shifted. Avoid watering the foliage late in the evening when foliar diseases are present. As harvest approaches, observe the leaves until they reach the desired stage and pick them with clean hands or tools. At the end of the season, harvest what can be, remove weakened plants, and record the results. Clean supports, remove diseased residues, and practice crop rotation the following year. These simple actions make seasonal maintenance more consistent and facilitate adaptation to the Quebec climate. Regular observations allow for adjusting care without overloading the soil. In Quebec, actual weather remains the best guide for adjusting the schedule. Clean mulch then helps stabilize moisture and limit splashing.

Container growing

A garden,within reach.

Growing 'Red Russian' kale in containers is possible if the pot size matches the needs of this leafy vegetable. Choose a stable container with several drainage holes, then fill it with quality potting soil that retains moisture while allowing excess water to drain. Place the container in a cool, bright spot away from excessive heat. Sow or transplant without overcrowding the surface; air must circulate between the plants. Check moisture with your finger rather than following a fixed schedule, as wind and heat accelerate drying. Water slowly until the entire root ball is moist, then empty any filled saucer. A light application of compost or balanced fertilizer can support growth, depending on the richness of the soil. Rotate the pot if light reaches it from only one side, and install a support if the plant's shape requires it. Monitor containers more frequently on hot days. Harvest leaves at the desired stage and renew the soil between seasons if its structure degrades. Regular observation allows you to adjust care without overloading the soil. In Quebec, actual weather remains the best guide for adapting your schedule.

Bloom and dimensions

Its place,in your garden.

Bloom period

'Red Russian' kale flowering depends on plant development, temperature, and day length. For crops harvested before bolting, early flowering can reduce quality. For fruit crops, protect the general health of the plants and avoid significant water stress during this stage. Regular observations allow for adjustments in care without overloading the soil.

Fruiting

For 'Red Russian' kale, the harvest stage should be assessed based on the part being consumed rather than a single date. For fruit or pod crops, observe the expected size, color, and firmness. For leaf or root crops, harvest before bolting diverts energy and alters the texture.

Garden associations

In goodcompany.

Companion plants

To accompany 'Red Russian' kale, choose plants whose height, spread, and water requirements do not create excessive competition. A variety of nearby flowers can support insect diversity, while overly dense ground cover may hinder aeration. Respect crop rotation for botanical families and keep access clear for watering and harvesting. No companion planting replaces proper spacing and healthy soil. Regular observation allows for care to be adjusted without overburdening the soil.

Recipe idea

From the gardento your plate.

Edible parts

Leaves or parts harvested according to the crop

After growing 'Red Russian' kale, harvest only the recognized edible parts of the crop and wash them thoroughly. Use the leaves at the desired stage according to their maturity and texture, then adapt the preparation for salads, stir-fries, or baby leaf harvests. A simple method is to prepare a small portion first, in order to evaluate the flavor and degree of doneness. Season gradually and keep food that is not served immediately refrigerated. Firm vegetables can be roasted, sautéed, or pickled when appropriate; tender leaves are often enjoyed fresh or quickly wilted in a pan. Chili peppers require precautions when cutting, especially for the eyes and skin. For a collection, treat each variety separately according to its species. Never use the seed packet as an ingredient and follow standard food safety rules. Regular observations allow for care adjustments without overloading the soil.

Frequently asked questions

Your questions,answered.

When to sow 'Red Russian' kale in Quebec?

The best date to sow 'Red Russian' kale depends on soil temperature, the risk of frost, and the chosen method. As a rule of thumb, sow directly or transplant according to the season. Check the packet instructions when a specific depth or temperature is indicated. In Quebec, conditions change rapidly from one region and garden to another; therefore, use the local weather and soil conditions as a guide. If starting indoors, also allow for a gradual hardening-off period before final planting. Note the date and emergence to adjust the next sowing. Regular observations allow for care adjustments without overworking the soil.

How to successfully germinate 'Red Russian' kale?

To encourage the germination of 'Red Russian' kale, use a fine, clean, and well-drained substrate. Sow at the depth recommended on the packet, pack lightly, then moisten with a gentle spray. Keep the medium moist but never saturated, and ensure the appropriate temperature for cultivation. As soon as seedlings appear, increase light and air circulation to prevent etiolation. Label the sowing and count the days without jumping to conclusions about failure, as speed varies with temperature. Then, thin out any overcrowded plants. Regular observations allow for adjustments in care without overloading the soil.

Can 'Red Russian' kale be grown in containers?

Yes, 'Red Russian' kale can be grown in a container if the pot offers enough volume and stability for this leafy vegetable. The container must have proper drainage holes and be filled with a well-structured potting mix. Place it in a cool, bright spot without excessive heat, and do not overcrowd the plants. Pots dry out faster than garden soil, so check moisture levels frequently and water the entire root ball when necessary. However, avoid leaving water in the saucer. Add a support if the growth habit requires it and monitor the fertility of the soil throughout the season. Regular observation allows you to adjust care without overloading the soil.

How to water 'Red Russian' kale?

'Red Russian' kale should be watered regularly without keeping the roots sitting in water. After sowing, gently moisten the surface to avoid displacing the seeds. Once the plants are established, water more deeply and allow for proper drainage. Check the soil before watering, as heat, wind, mulch, and the type of container will affect the required frequency. Direct the water to the base whenever possible and avoid frequent, light waterings that do not reach the roots. Consistent observation is better than a fixed schedule. Regular monitoring allows you to adjust care without oversaturating the soil.

When to harvest 'Red Russian' kale?

Harvest 'Red Russian' kale when the leaves have reached the desired size for their intended use. The date indicated on a packet remains an estimate, as light, heat, water, and soil fertility influence growth rates. Inspect the crop regularly and harvest with clean hands or tools. Frequent picking can support the production of multiple fruit-bearing vegetables or leaves, while roots mainly require checking for size. Avoid harvesting wet foliage if diseases are present. Note the first harvest to improve your schedule. Regular observations allow you to adjust care without overworking the soil.

Wildlife and pets

Life,around your plants.

Supporting wildlife

When 'Red Russian' kale is left to flower, its blossoms can provide a resource for certain visiting insects. This effect varies depending on the species, the weather, and neighboring plants; it does not replace a diversity of staggered blooms or a habitat free of unnecessary pesticides.