A tender, flat-leaved kale with grey-green, purple-veined foliage and a mild, sweet flavour. Hardy and ornamental, excellent for cut-and-come-again picking.
At a glance
- Plant type: Edible plant
- Mature size: 70 cm tall
- Aspect: full sun and part shade or morning sun
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Kale 'Red Russian'
Botanically, Brassica oleracea 'Red Russian' is an moderate-growing edible plant in the Brassicaceae family. It reaches around 70 cm tall at maturity.
Where to grow Kale 'Red Russian'
Kale 'Red Russian' suits cool-temperate and warm-temperate climates and grows best in full sun and part shade or morning sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters.
Soil & planting
Kale 'Red Russian' does best in free-draining and loamy soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Kale 'Red Russian' is regular, moderate watering. Feed regularly through the growing season for the best crop. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Tip-prune Kale 'Red Russian' in spring to maintain a dense, shapely habit. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Kale 'Red Russian' in the garden
Kale 'Red Russian' earns its place for edible harvests and pots and courtyard containers. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Kale 'Red Russian' with other plants that enjoy the same regular, moderate watering and cool-temperate climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm.
Good to know
Note that it is toxic to cats and dogs, so site it away from pets that chew.
Buying Kale 'Red Russian'
Plant Sale lists Kale 'Red Russian' as seed and seedlings. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it is available.
Prefer to grow it yourself? See the Kale 'Red Russian' seed sowing guide for depth, timing and germination.