Kale Seeds, Dazzling Blue

star-filled
4.8
24 Reviews
Sku:
#KA113
Min. seed count:
75
$3.50

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.

  • 80 days to maturity
  • 6-12 hours of sun
  • Sprouts in 6-9 days
  • Ideal Temperature: 45-85 F
  • Seed Depth: 1/4"
  • Plant Spacing: 8"
  • Frost Hardy: Yes

Growing Tips, Tricks and FAQs

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.

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.

How to Sow and Plant

Directly sow seeds outdoors about 1/4 inch deep, spaced 8 inches apart. The ideal germination temperature is 45-85 F, and germination should typically occur in 6-9 days.

How to Grow

Kale needs consistent moisture; water it regularly to keep the soil evenly moist. Applying mulch helps conserve moisture and reduces weed growth. Fertilize with a balanced organic fertilizer to ensure healthy leaves. Monitor for pests like aphids and cabbage worms, removing them by hand or using organic pest control methods.

How to Save

  • 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

Can Dazzling Blue kale be grown in containers?
Yes, it is suitable for container growing; ensure the container is large enough and has good drainage.

Is this Dazzling Blue kale frost-hardy?
Yes, it is frost-tolerant and can withstand light freezes, which can enhance the sweetness of the leaves.

How much water does Dazzling Blue kale need?
Kale requires regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

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Kale Seeds, Dazzling Blue
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4.8
Customer reviews (24)

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