---
title: Red Russian Kale
created: 2026-05-24
updated: 2026-05-25
type: entity
tags: [leafy-greens, heirloom, open-pollinated, cold-hardy, chicken-friendly, goat-friendly, rabbit-friendly]
sources: [raw/articles/seedvault-home-page.md]
---
# Red Russian Kale
## Overview
Deep gray-green leaves with purple veins, tenderer than other kale types with mild sweet flavor. Vigorous plants, one of the best kale varieties for beginner gardeners.
## Key Details
- **Category:** Leafy Greens
- **Price:** $3.12
- **Variety Type:** Open-pollinated
## Growing Instructions
### Sowing
Thrives in cold weather, sweetens with frost. Best as fall crop in areas with cool summers. Sow 3 seeds per cluster, 1/2" deep, 16-18" apart in rows 2-3' apart. Thin to strongest seedling. For fall crop: plant ~3 months before first frost. Companion: cabbage, potatoes.
### Germination
7-14 days at 65-75°F
### Care
Keep weeds controlled, mulch for moisture. Keep soil evenly moist but stop watering after first frost. Survives temps to -10°F.
### Harvest
50-60 days. Pick outer leaves when 6-8 inches long; young leaves tender for salads.
## Soil & Conditions
- **pH:** 6.0-7.5, well-drained. Tolerates heavy soils.
## Seed Storage
- **Viability:** 3-5 years cool/dry. Store below 40°F.
- **Pre-treatment:** None required. Cold-hardy, direct sow early.
## Yield
- **Per Plant:** 1-2 lbs per plant
- **Harvest Season:** Fall through winter
- **Note:** Harvest outer leaves, continues producing
Biennial. Bolts year 2 on tall stalks. Isolate ¼ mile from other brassicas or bag flowers. Harvest when seed pods turn brown.
## Pest & Disease
Cabbage worms (Bt spray), aphids, flea beetles, whiteflies. Sweetens after frost. Rotate brassicas 3 years.
## Harvest & Preservation
Cut outer leaves, center keeps growing. Store 1-2 weeks refrigerated. Blanch and freeze. Dehydrate or make kale chips.
## Companion Planting
### Good Companions
- **[[long-island-brussels-sprouts]], potatoes** — Same family benefits, shared pest management
### Avoid Growing With
- **Tomatoes** — Compete for nutrients, attract shared pests
### Part of: Cool Season Mix
- See [[companion-planting]] for full combination details
## Related
- [[seedvault-market]]
- [[grow-guides]]
- [[seed-catalog]]