(Brassica oleracea) Wouldn't it be great to have Lacinato kale with the classic, deep-blue-green, savoyed leaves but with bright purple stems? Hank Keogh of Avoca Seed in Corvallis, OR, asked this question and then answered it himself with this beautiful cross of Lacinato with Lacinato Rainbow. The breeding population was put through the wringers of some particularly harsh freezes, and the resulting kale is a cold-hardy champion with excellent Lacinato flavor. An eye-catching addition to a home garden or a market kale display. "Maybe love's an accident, or destiny is true, but you and I were born beneath a star of Dazzling Blue" - Paul Simon (and also Hank Keogh).
60 days. AV *OSSI*

Packet: 1g (~240 seeds)

*This seed has tested negative for both Black Leg (Phoma lingam) and Black Rot (Xanthomonas campestris) as required by the WA Dept of Ag crucifer seed quarantine.

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Growing Info

SOWING:

Sow indoors 4-6 weeks before your last hard frost.

Transplant out 4-6 week-old plants.

Direct seed early Spring.

Can be sown until mid-summer, 8 weeks before first Fall frost date.

Note: Seedlings will tolerate light frosts. Light to moderate frosts increase the sweetness of mature plants.

PLANTING DEPTH:

1/4"

SPACING:

18-24" in rows 18-30" apart.

EMERGENCE:

4-10 days @ soil temp 60-75F.

LIGHT:

Full sun to part shade

FERTILITY:

Moderate-Heavy. Slow-release fertilizers are beneficial for extended harvests of bunching greens. Prefers well-drained, evenly moist soil with moderate, balanced fertility and a pH between 6.0-7.5.

ADDITIONAL NOTES:

Prefers cooler seasons of Spring and Fall but will tolerate high heat.

Cold-hardy and will survive moderate frost.

Floating row covers can help protect against flea beetles.

Kale, 'Dazzling Blue'