Rainbow Lacinato Kale

From Hudson Valley Seed Company. Purchased in 2023.

Description and growing instructions below from Hudson Valley Seeds.

Brings beautiful diversity to the kale patch.

A cross by breeder Frank Morton between the extremely cold hardy Redbor and Lacinato. The majority of the plants have a deep green, crinkled Lacinato-type leaf with a bright purple stem and slight ruffling along the edges. There is a bit of variation from this, some plants are more ruffled than others, resembling the Redbor parentage, others a bit more green, resembling Lacinato closely. When left outdoors once winter hits, about 40% of mature plants turn a deep purple, almost black, as pictured in the slideshow. Plant this variety if you prefer the Lacinato type kales, but want something a bit more cold hardy.

The flavor of this kale is sweet and the texture substantial but not too rough. A great kale for steaming and sauteing. The color and flavor mixes nicely with other cold-hardy greens.

GROWING INSTRUCTIONS.

Direct sow kale about a month before last frost. Or, sow under protection 8 weeks earlier, then transplant about a month before last frost. For a young, tender fall crop, sow 3-4 months before first fall frost. Avoid planting at edge of garden, as slugs love kale and will creep in for nightly dining. Harvest a handful of individual outer leaves from each plant; mature plants will be ready for another harvest in a few days.