🥦 Sprouting Kale 'Red Russian'

Sowing window (UK)	April to June
Minimum soil temperature	5°C at seed depth
Sowing depth	1 cm
Spacing	60 cm apart
Days to germination	7 days
Days to harvest	70 days
Sowing method	Start under cover, transplant out
Frost hardy	Yes
Sun	full-sun
Watering	moderate
Plant family	Brassicaceae

When should I sow Sprouting Kale 'Red Russian' in the UK?

In the UK, sow Sprouting Kale 'Red Russian' from April to June. It is normally started under cover and transplanted. Wait until the soil has reached 5°C at seed depth rather than going by the calendar - sprouting kale will sit and rot in cold ground.

What soil temperature does Sprouting Kale 'Red Russian' need to germinate?

Sprouting Kale 'Red Russian' needs a minimum soil temperature of 5°C at seed depth to germinate reliably. Below that, germination is slow and patchy, and seed is more likely to rot than sprout. Measure at around 5cm down, in the morning, rather than trusting air temperature.

How deep and how far apart should I sow Sprouting Kale 'Red Russian'?

For Sprouting Kale 'Red Russian', sow it 1cm deep and space plants 60cm apart.

How long does Sprouting Kale 'Red Russian' take to grow?

Sprouting Kale 'Red Russian' takes roughly 70 days from sowing to harvest. Seed usually germinates in about 7 days.

Is Sprouting Kale 'Red Russian' frost hardy?

Yes. Sprouting Kale 'Red Russian' is frost hardy and will stand through UK frosts, so it can be left out over winter in most of the country.

Sowing data cross-checked against RHS growing guides and UK seed-merchant catalogues. Soil temperatures are the minimum for reliable germination, measured at seed depth.