Flat
Siberian kale is a cold-hardy brassica native to northern Asia and northern Europe that brings together the best traits of its botanical relatives. With flat, blue-green leaves adorned with white veins and ruffled edges, it matures to 12-18 inches tall and spreads 12-24 inches wide, reaching harvest in just 60 days. Growers prize it for its milder, more tender flavor compared to standard kale, superior disease resistance, and exceptional winter hardiness down to zone 2, making it a year-round producer in harsh climates.
18 inches apart
Full Sun
Moderate
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18in H x 24in W
Annual
Low
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Siberian kale tastes noticeably sweeter and more delicate than its brassica cousins, with medium-frilly leaves that shift texture beautifully after frost. It's remarkably easy to grow with low maintenance demands and significantly fewer pest and disease problems than other kales; that combination of cold hardiness, productivity, and genuine flavor makes it one of the most underrated brassicas for serious gardeners. The leaves work equally well as tender, melting greens in salads or as structured, toothsome additions to cooked dishes.
Siberian kale excels in both raw and cooked applications. Its tender, mild leaves make it suitable for salads and slaws when young, while its slightly firmer texture after maturation and especially after frost exposure lends itself beautifully to sautéing, braising, soups, and smooth blended preparations. The versatility of the leaf structure, soft enough for delicate applications yet structured enough for hearty cooking, makes it useful across a wider range of culinary situations than many other kale varieties.
Sow seeds indoors in early March for a spring harvest, transplanting seedlings into the garden approximately 4 weeks prior to your last spring frost date. Maintain warm soil temperatures during germination. Watch for damping off in young seedlings and ensure adequate air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
Transplant hardened-off seedlings into the garden 4 weeks before the last spring frost. For fall harvest, which produces superior growth and flavor, sow seeds in mid-July through early August directly into garden beds. Space transplants 18 inches apart with 12 inches between rows.
Direct sow seeds in mid-July through early August for fall harvest, which produces the best growth results. Fall-planted seeds will mature reliably before deep winter cold arrives.
Harvest Siberian kale approximately 60 days after planting. Leaves are ready when they've reached usable size and the plant has developed good color and substance. For the sweetest, most tender flavor, wait until after the first frost to harvest; cold temperatures trigger a biochemical shift that makes the leaves noticeably sweeter. Pick outer leaves first, working toward the center, or cut entire plants at the base if you prefer a complete harvest.
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“Siberian kale descends from Brassica napus (Pabularia Group), a species native to the harsh winters of northern Asia and northern Europe. Unlike the more familiar Brassica oleracea kales, this species developed distinct survival traits through its cold climates of origin: a naturally milder disposition, softer leaf structure, and robust resistance to the pests and diseases that plague other brassicas. The variety represents a different evolutionary path within the kale family, one optimized for survival and tenderness rather than the dense, sculptural form of ornamental kales.”