Organic Vate's Dwarf Blue Kale Seeds - Brassica oleracea
Organic Non-GMO Open Pollinated Vate's Blue Kale Seeds
Tightly curled curves reveal leaves with a deep green color with a hint of blue, thus the name. A compact, hardy plant that can withstand winter temperatures, with some protection. Overwinters well and is slow to bolt.
Vate's is crisp and tender, when massaged. A delicious kale, perfect in salads, steamed or sautéed. Holds well after harvest.
Seed Profile
- Organic
- Non-GMO
- Annual
- Sun: Partial- Full
- Indoors: 6-8 weeks before last frost
- Direct Sow: When soil is workable
- Seed Count: 250
- Days to Maturity: 42-60
- Plant Size: 12"-16"
Gardener Tips
While seeds are germinating, keep soil evenly moist. Mulch at base. Prefers cool, moist soil. Continual harvest promotes growth. Do successive plantings every 4-5 weeks. Carefully tear back to stem base.
If starting seeds indoors, it is key that your new starts be hardened off. This is a process that requires taking them outside during the day, for a period of time, before they are planted. This acclimates your seedlings to the outside world, meaning the elements like the wind and sun. We do it for several weeks to a month as this strengthens their stems and overall plant structure.
- Start for a short period of time initially, then graduate to more time each day
- One week minimum is recommended
- Bring them inside in the early evening and overnight
- Keep an eye on them and constantly water them. Make sure they have not blown over.
Harvest Tips
Baby Kale
Harvest when leaves are 2 to 4 inches long. At this stage, they’re tender, mild, and perfect for salads or smoothies.
Harvest typically 3 to 4 weeks after seeding, depending on temperature and sunlight. Leaves can easily be pinched off with the fingernail.
You can harvest leaves every 5 to 7 days as they regrow — baby kale is a great “cut-and-come-again” crop as long as you leave a minimum of a 2" central stem.
Mature Kale
Harvest when the leaves are about the size of your hand — young leaves are tender and milder, while mature leaves have a stronger flavor.
Start by picking the outermost leaves, leaving the central bud and smaller inner leaves to continue growing. Best to lightly twist the leaves off without ripping it from the central stem.
Note : Kale gets sweeter after a light frost, cold temperatures cause sugars to concentrate in the leaves.
Companion Plants
Onions, dill, marigolds, leeks, nasturtiums
