Red Russian Kale Growing Tool

Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Start Indoors

Transplant

Direct Sow

Harvest

Start Indoors

Transplant

Direct Sow

Harvest

Showing dates for Red Russian Kale in USDA Zone 7

All Zone 7 brassica →

Zone Map

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Red Russian Kale · Zones 2–11

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Easy

Spacing12-18 inches

SoilRich, well-drained soil with high organic matter

pH6.0-7.5

Water1-1.5 inches per week, consistent moisture

SeasonCool season

FlavorMild, sweet, and tender with less bitterness than common kale

ColorBlue-green leaves with purple stems and veins

Size8-12 inch leaves

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 3	March – April	April – May	April – August	June – October
Zone 4	March – April	April – May	April – August	June – November
Zone 5	February – March	March – April	March – August	May – November
Zone 6	February – March	March – April	March – September	May – December
Zone 7	January – February	February – March	February – September	April – December
Zone 8	January – February	February – March	February – October	April – January
Zone 9	December – January	January – February	January – November	March – February
Zone 10	December – January	January – February	October – February	December – April

Complete Growing Guide

Start your Red Russian kale journey by selecting a site with well-draining soil and at least 4 hours of direct sunlight, though this variety tolerates partial shade better than most kales. Work in 2-3 inches of compost or aged manure before planting, as this Siberian heirloom thrives in nutrient-rich soil with a pH between 6.0-7.0.

For spring planting, direct sow seeds ½ inch deep about 4-6 weeks before your last frost date. Red Russian kale actually germinates better in cool soil (45-65°F), so don't wait for warm weather. Space seeds 6 inches apart in rows 18 inches apart, or broadcast in wide beds and thin later. If starting indoors, sow 6-8 weeks before transplant date in individual cells to avoid root disturbance.

Transplant seedlings when they have 3-4 true leaves and soil temperature stays above 40°F. Harden off gradually over 7 days, as sudden temperature changes can cause bolting. Set transplants slightly deeper than they grew in containers, burying the stem up to the first set of leaves for stronger root development.

Feed with balanced fertilizer at planting, then switch to high-nitrogen fertilizer every 3-4 weeks. Side-dress with compost monthly for sustained growth. Unlike other kales, Red Russian responds well to light, frequent feeding rather than heavy applications.

Avoid the common mistake of planting too early in hot weather—this variety performs best when temperatures stay below 75°F during the day. In zones 7-9, focus on fall and winter growing seasons. Plant your fall crop 10-12 weeks before your first hard frost for the sweetest leaves.

Maximize yield by harvesting outer leaves continuously rather than cutting the entire plant. This keeps the crown producing new growth for months. In cold climates, mulch around plants in late fall to extend harvest through winter.

Harvesting

Begin harvesting Red Russian kale when leaves reach 4-6 inches long, typically 50-65 days from seeding. The leaves are ready when they feel tender but substantial, with the characteristic blue-green color and purple veining fully developed. Baby leaves can be harvested as early as 25-30 days for tender salad greens.

Always harvest in the morning when leaves are crisp and full of moisture. Cut or pinch outer leaves first, leaving the central growing point intact. Look for leaves that snap cleanly when bent—tough, leathery leaves indicate over-maturity. The sweetest harvest comes after the first light frost, when starches convert to sugars.

Use clean, sharp scissors or a knife to cut stems about an inch above the soil line. Avoid pulling leaves, which can damage the crown. Never harvest more than one-third of the plant at once. After frost exposure, leaves develop deeper purple coloration and noticeably sweeter flavor—this is your cue for premium harvest quality.

Storage & Preservation

Fresh Red Russian kale stores best unwashed in perforated plastic bags in the refrigerator crisper drawer, maintaining quality for 5-7 days. The sturdy leaves hold up better than curly kale varieties, making them excellent for meal prep.

For longer storage, blanch leaves in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, shock in ice water, then freeze in portions. The tender texture makes Red Russian ideal for freezing—unlike tougher kale varieties, it doesn't become overly chewy. Dehydrate at 125°F for crispy kale chips that store for months in airtight containers.

Fermentation works exceptionally well with Red Russian's sweet flavor profile. Massage leaves with salt for quick refrigerator pickles, or add to sauerkraut blends. The purple stems add beautiful color to fermented vegetables and maintain their crunch better than the leaves.

History & Origin

Red Russian kale traces its hardy lineage to the windswept regions of Siberia, where it evolved to withstand brutal winters and short growing seasons. This ancient variety was likely cultivated for centuries by Russian peasants who valued its ability to provide fresh greens through the harshest months.

The variety made its way to North America through Russian immigrants in the late 1800s and early 1900s, particularly during waves of migration to Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. Seeds were often carried in small pouches as precious cargo, representing sustenance and a connection to homeland.

Seed catalogs from the early 1900s reference 'Russian kale' as a curiosity for adventurous gardeners, but it wasn't until the heirloom revival movement of the 1980s that Red Russian gained widespread recognition. Seed Savers Exchange and other preservation organizations helped rescue this variety from obscurity, recognizing its superior cold tolerance and unique ornamental qualities that set it apart from common curly kales.

Advantages

+Exceptional cold tolerance down to 20°F, surviving when other greens fail
+Sweetens noticeably after frost exposure, unlike many vegetables that deteriorate
+Tender texture requires no massaging for raw salads, unlike tough curly kales
+Stunning ornamental value with purple stems and veining for edible landscaping
+Slower to bolt in spring heat compared to other kale varieties
+Self-seeds readily for effortless succession planting
+Baby leaves ready in just 25 days for quick microgreen harvests

Considerations

-Purple stems can be fibrous and tough if plants get overmature
-More susceptible to aphid infestations than waxy-leaved kale varieties
-Seeds can be harder to source than common grocery store kale types
-Leaves become bitter if plants experience drought stress
-Less productive per plant than dense, curly kale varieties

Companion Plants

Plant Together

Dill

Attracts beneficial wasps that parasitize cabbage worms and aphids

Nasturtiums

Acts as trap crop for aphids and flea beetles, repels cabbage moths

Onions

Repels cabbage root flies, aphids, and flea beetles with strong sulfur compounds

Marigolds

Deters flea beetles and cabbage worms, reduces nematode populations

Carrots

Different root depths reduce competition, carrots help break up soil

Lettuce

Provides ground cover and efficient space usage, similar growing conditions

Garlic

Natural pesticide properties repel cabbage loopers and aphids

Chamomile

Attracts beneficial insects and may improve kale flavor and growth

Keep Apart

Strawberries

Compete for nutrients and may stunt brassica growth

Pole Beans

Can shade kale excessively and compete for nitrogen

Tomatoes

May inhibit kale growth and both attract similar pests like hornworms

Pests & Disease Resistance

Resistance

Good cold tolerance and moderate disease resistance

Common Pests

Cabbage worms, aphids, flea beetles

Diseases

Clubroot, black rot, downy mildew

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Red Russian kale take to grow?▼

Red Russian kale is ready for full harvest in 50-65 days from seeding, but you can start harvesting baby leaves as early as 25-30 days. Unlike head vegetables, you can continuously harvest outer leaves for months, making it one of the longest-producing crops in your garden.

Can you grow Red Russian kale in containers?▼

Yes, Red Russian kale grows excellently in containers at least 8 inches deep and 12 inches wide. Use a high-quality potting mix with compost, and ensure drainage holes. Container growing actually helps control soil conditions and makes it easier to protect plants from pests like cabbage worms.

What does Red Russian kale taste like compared to regular kale?▼

Red Russian kale has a noticeably milder, sweeter flavor than curly kale, with almost no bitterness. The texture is more tender and less chewy, making it perfect for raw salads without massaging. After frost exposure, it develops an even sweeter, almost nutty flavor that's quite distinctive.

When should I plant Red Russian kale for winter harvest?▼

Plant Red Russian kale 10-12 weeks before your first hard frost for winter harvest. In most areas, this means sowing in late summer (August-September). The plants need time to establish before cold weather, but will continue producing sweet leaves through winter in zones 7-10.

Is Red Russian kale good for beginners?▼

Red Russian kale is excellent for beginners because it's very forgiving and tolerates various growing conditions. It's less prone to common beginner mistakes like inconsistent watering, grows quickly to provide encouragement, and is naturally resistant to many problems that plague other brassicas.

Red Russian kale vs curly kale - what's the difference?▼

Red Russian kale has flat, deeply-lobed leaves with purple stems, while curly kale has thick, ruffled leaves. Red Russian is more cold-hardy, has a milder flavor, more tender texture, and is slower to bolt. It's also more ornamental but typically less productive per plant than dense curly varieties.