Dwarf Green Curled Kale ( Brassica oleracea ) is a hardy, high yielding annual that dates back to 18th century Scotland. Kale as a vegetable is recorded as far back as 14th century England and due to its health benefits is very popular all over the world today. This variety is a cool temperature vegetable and very easy to grow. It can grow in all climates, however in warmer climates it can be a bit bitter to taste.
Kale is considered one of the most nutrient rich foods on the planet. This vegetable is literally packed full of vitamins and minerals and eating it has some amazing medical benefits as well like, eye; hair; skin; brain; heart and bone health, along with prevention against diabetes and some cancers.
Check out our other leafy green vegetable varieties such as Tatsoi and Mizuna.
Growth
Dwarf Curled Green Kale has dark green, tightly curled leaves and gets to an average height of 45 cm’s tall and wide. From seed to harvest is around 50-65 days. Leaves are best harvested from the outside of the plant, to encourage new growth and for longevity; if the centre is harvested it will not continue to grow. When harvesting be sure to use sharp, clean instruments (scissors; secateurs; knife) to avoid any bacteria entering the plant and causing disease. Kale is very frost tolerant and can also be grown in containers / pots.
We always recommend growing your food organically, so when fertilising or trying to keep pests under control, keep in mind that there are always organic options. Your body and family will thank you!
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Brassicaceae
CLIMATE:
Cold to Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-15 to 30°C / 5 to 86°F
SOIL TYPE:
Poor soil tolerant, will thrive in good quality soils, which should be well draining.
LOCATION:
Full sun, part shade, wind hardy.
HEIGHT:
Up to 45 cm’s (18 inches)
WIDTH:
Up to 45 cm’s (18 inches)
pH:
5.5-7.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Annual
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Medium
POLLINATION:
Pollinated by Bees
MATURITY:
Average 50-65 days
GERMINATION RATES:
92%
GERMINATION TIME:
7-14 days
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 320
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
EDIBLE:
Yes
SEED STORGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 4 years.
FACTS ABOUT BRASSICA OLERACEA (Kale)
Cooking Kale doesn’t really diminish any of its nutritional value, unlike many other vegetables.
It is better to harvest Kale in colder times of the year; particularly after frost, as it becomes sweeter at that time.
Before Kale became a popular health food early in the 2000’s and cultivation jumped up by 60% practically overnight. Thomas Jefferson was a big fan; he grew several varieties in his garden!
