Plant Guide
Kale : Red Russian
Gorgeous, rare variety that produces sweet, delectable leaves
This rare, gourmet variety has red-purple veins on slate-green, wavy-margined leaves. Cool weather intensifies its color. Steamed lightly, the frilly leaves make an attractive garnish. If using in soup, add kale at the end to avoid overcooking.
Brassicaceae Brassica oleraceaAlternate Growing Options
Cover crop
Kale is sometimes planted as a green manure or winter cover crop. In areas with mild winters it will produce a lot of foliage over the winter and has the additional benefit that it is edible. In spring you can eat the tender new flower shoots before incorporating the rest of the plants into the soil. The drawback to using Kale as a cover crop is that it is a member of the Brassica family and so prone to all of the same pests and diseases.
Ornamental use
Some Kales have very attractive foliage and can be used in the flower garden. The specially bred ornamental Kales are supposedly edible, but they are more beautiful than palatable.
Winter indoors
In very cold areas Kale can be grown in winter in an unheated greenhouse or cold frame. Apparently it has even been grown indoors as a winter houseplant.
