Brassica oleracea
Container Kale
This outstanding new kale is bred for great nutty flavor, tender texture and compact size. Green Curls tops out at about 15 inches tall, so it shines in pots and containers, a true ornamental edible for any size garden. The tightly ruffled, pretty deep blue-green leaves have nearly stemless stalks and plants size up early for multiple harvests of fresh leaves. Flavor is excellent; mild and nutty, perfect for vitamin rich fresh salads or enjoy simply braised, sauted or steamed.
Seed Count: Approx. 65/ Weight: 0.27 g| Plant in | Sun/Shade | Planting Depth | Space Seeds | Days to Germinate | Days to Harvest |
| Feb.-May Aug.-Sept. | Full Sun | 1/2 inch. | Indoors: 2 inch. Pots: 6 Inch. | 7 - 10 days | Approx. 50 |
TO START INDOORS
In very early spring, sow seeds in seed starting mix 2 in. apart and 1/2 in. deep. Keep moist and provide a strong light source until seedlings are well-established, then plant outdoors 6 in. apart.
PLANTING IN CONTAINERS
Use pots a minimum 15-18 in. in diameter and 12 in. deep and start with fresh potting mix. Sow groups of 2-3 seeds 6 in. apart, 1/2 in. deep. Keep evenly moist. When large enough to handle, thin to leave one seedling per group, so plants have room to mature. Keep mulched to conserve moisture. Feed with high Nitrogen fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. If it gets hot, check and water daily; otherwise, water when top in. of soil is dry.
GROWING NOTES
Kale tastes best in cool weather and frost actually enhances colour, flavor and sweetness. Plant in early spring and again in late summer/early fall.
HARVEST AND USE
Begin harvesting outer leaves when plants have at least 6 leaves. Vitamin and Antioxidant rich kale is tender and delicious in fresh salads, especially with sliced fruit and/or nuts. Use in smoothies, soups, stews and sauts; or braise with garlic and olive oil. Pull and discard when plants begin to bloom as leaves of flowering stalks get tough and bitter.
