Kale scarlet Red veined Ruffled heirloom seeds 10/50/100(10 Seeds)

Kale and collards are hardy biennials that will overwinter in milder climates, and improve in flavor with the onset of cold weather. They are in the Brassicaceae family, sharing species name Brassica oleracea with cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, brussels sprouts, and kohlrabi. Scotch - Deeply curled and wrinkled leaves. Very hardy.Siberian or Russian ndash; Flat leaves with lobed edges. Most tender.Lacinato ndash; Dark green savoyed blade shaped leaves.Collards ndash; More heat tolerant. Giant round leaves.Soil Nutrients and RequirementsKale and Collards thrive in well drained fertile soil high in organic matter, with pH 6.0- 7.5. They can tolerate slightly alkaline soil. A general guideline is 2-3 lbs of 8-16-16 fertilizer over 100 sq ft of garden area two weeks before planting. If boron is not present in your soils, consider adding 1 Tbs per 100 sq ft.Seeding Depth1/4-1/2.Plant SpacingBabyleaf- Direct seeding: ~60seeds/ft in 2-4 bands; Full Size- 12-18rdquo;Row Spacing18-30rdquo; for full sizeWhen to SowDays to maturity are from direct seeding, subtract 2 weeks if transplanting. Direct sow as soon as soil can be worked or start transplants 4 weeks before planting date. Plant baby leaf every 4-5 weeks for a continual harvest. Sow fall plantings two months before first expected frost for full size and up until frost for baby leaf.HarvestHarvest full size leaves when desired. Kale flavor sweetens after light frosts. Kale and collards are both very cold hardy, overwintering in most climates to some degree.StorageCool leaves in cold water at harvest and store in plastic in fridge. In late fall, cut the heart of the plant and store just above freezing in a plastic bag for a few weeks.Pest InfoKale and collards do not usually suffer too much from pest damage, but they are subject to the same insect pests as cabbage, cauliflower, and broccoli.Insect pests, including cabbage looper, imported cabbage worm, and diamondback moth are largely of the Lepidoptera order and can thus be controlled by Bacillus thuringiensis (such as Dipel DF) and/or spinosad, preferentially in rotation with one another to prevent build-up of resistant individuals. Flea beetles chew small holes in the leaves and are most detrimental when plants are young; use row cover (make sure edges are sealed) or application of Pyganictrade;, neem or capsaicin products to control populations.