Dazzling blue kale leaves fanned out with a salad on a white background
Close-up of Dazzling Blue Kale growing in the garden.
Dazzling Blue Kale leaves alongside a bowl of pasta soup made with kale.
Dazzling Blue Kale leaves in and around a salad bowl in the snow.
Dazzling Blue Kale leaves alongside a plate of salad made with kale.
Dazzling blue kale leaves fanned out with a salad on a white background
Close-up of Dazzling Blue Kale growing in the garden.
Dazzling Blue Kale leaves alongside a bowl of pasta soup made with kale.
Dazzling Blue Kale leaves in and around a salad bowl in the snow.
Dazzling Blue Kale leaves alongside a plate of salad made with kale.

Kale Seeds,
Dazzling Blue

4.928 ReviewsSKU: #KA113Min. seed count: 75
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Description

(Brassica oleracea). This smoky blue lacinato type kale has become a favorite of gardeners and market farmers. Bred by Hank Keogh of Avoca Farms, Dazzling Blue kale is considered a prime example of the renaissance in modern open-source plant breeding. It boasts unparalleled cold hardiness and fantastic purple and blue leaves.

Growing Tips: This variety of kale thrives best in well-drained, fertile soil, rich in organic matter. Full sun is ideal, although it can tolerate partial shade. Regular watering and mulching help retain soil moisture and control weeds. Compost and balanced fertilizers support healthy growth.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Brassica oleracea
Sun Requirement
6–12 hr.
Days to Germinate
6–9
Days to Maturity
80
Planting Depth
¼ in.
Plant Spacing
8 in.
Ideal Temperature
45–85°F
Frost Hardy
Yes

When to Grow

Plant kale in early spring for a summer harvest or in late summer for a fall and winter crop. It's frost-tolerant and can continue to grow in cooler temperatures. In zones with mild winters, it can be grown year-round. To determine the best planting time, check your local frost dates and direct seed or transplant 2-4 weeks in spring or 8 weeks in fall before them. If you’re not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

How to Sow and Plant

  • In the spring, sow seeds 8-10 weeks before last frost.
  • For fall harvest, sow seeds directly from July-September for a late fall crop that will taste super sweet after a bit of frost exposure.
  • Kale requires good moisture and full sun.
  • Set plants out or thin to 12- 18 inches apart.
  • Plant seeds ¼ deep.
  • Ideal germination temperature is 45-85 F.
  • Germinates in 6-9 days.

How to Grow

  • Kale is a perfect beginner gardener’s crop, and it requires very little care to thrive.
  • Kale can tolerate an impressive amount of cool weather. In mild climates, it can be grown year round, perhaps with a lull in the punishing heat of summer.
  • In cooler climates, kale is considered one of the best crops for season extension. With a bit of protection, it can be grown late into the fall.

PESTS/SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

  • In some areas, cabbage worms will wreak havoc on all cabbage relatives. Try a homemade garlic and hot pepper spray to discourage these pests from munching your plants.

How to Save Seeds

  • Like all cabbage family members, kale is biennial.
  • Kale is insect pollinated and will cross with some closely related cabbage family members, so it is wise to isolate varieties at least a mile apart to ensure pure seed. Other techniques such as alternate day caging can be used if isolation is not possible.
  • You will need to overwinter plants to harvest seeds. Mulch plants heavily with straw or cover with row cover and greenhouse plastic in an attempt to nurse plants through the winter. You can also dig up plants and store them inside to replant in spring.
  • When the flower spikes emerge in the second year, let the seed pods dry to brown and cut off the entire flower spike.
  • Hang flower stalks upside down indoors over a tarp, allowing the seeds to drop onto the tarp.
  • Seeds will remain viable for up to 4 years.

FAQ

How cold-hardy is Dazzling Blue kale?

This smoky blue lacinato type is frost hardy and boasts unparalleled cold hardiness. Kale tolerates an impressive amount of cool weather, and in mild climates it can be grown year-round with perhaps a lull in the punishing heat of summer. Seed sown directly from July through September gives a late fall crop that tastes super sweet after a bit of frost exposure.

How deep do I sow the seed, and how fast does it come up?

Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep. The ideal germination temperature is 45 to 85°F, and seedlings emerge in 6 to 9 days. Plants reach maturity in about 80 days.

What should I watch out for while the plants are growing?

In some areas, cabbage worms will wreak havoc on all cabbage relatives, including this one. A homemade garlic and hot pepper spray can discourage these pests from munching your plants. Otherwise Dazzling Blue asks for little: well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter, full sun (though it tolerates partial shade), and regular watering with mulch to hold soil moisture and control weeds.

Customer reviews

4.9 / 5 28 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Takes summer heat: Kept producing through 100 degree days without bolting.

  • Hardy and long-lived: Overwinters under snow and keeps producing for years.

  • Blue-purple leaves: Flat, dark leaves with blue ribs that deepen after frost.

  • Lacinato-like flavor: Mild and tender, good raw, cooked or as kale chips.

  • Growing tips: Watch for aphids and cabbage worms, as with any kale.

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