Highly decorative, dark green, red veined leaves which show more colour as colder weather approaches. Can be eaten as a 'salad leaf'. Mature plants show excellent winter hardiness, supplying fresh winter greens when they can often be scarce. Long season of harvest. Prefers a moist, rich, well-drained soil. Good source of Vitamins A, C, K and folate and provides 50% of the daily requirement in a single 80g portion.
Sow March-August for "salad leaves' or March-June for mature plants. Sow seed thinly in a well prepared seedbed, 12mm (½in) deep in drills 23cm (9in) apart. Can also be sown in pots or trays indoors for "salad leaves' all the year round.
Ideally fleece against caterpillars and aphids.
Kale is a very good source of Vitamins A, C, K and folate and provides 50% of the daily requirement in a single 80gms (2.82oz) portion.