Partial Sun
Low
Kale is very hardy and generally pest-free. It’s a very easy plant to grow. Kale flowers are self-incompatible, which means they can not be fertilized by pollen from other flowers on the same plant. To save seeds, several individual plants are required to maintain genetic stability — at least 10, but 30 is better. Therefore it’s hard to save kale seeds on a small scale.
Direct seed about three months before expected fall frost. Plant seeds ¼ to ½ inch deep, 1 inch apart in rows 18 to 30 inches apart. Thin to 12- to 18-inch spacings. Eat or transplant thinnings.
Similar to cabbage and other cole crops, you can also set out transplants in spring 4 to 6 weeks before average last frost, 12 inches apart, rows 18 to 24 inches apart.
Doesn’t seem to be as troubled by pests as most other cole crops. Use floating row covers to help protect from early insect infestations.
To help reduce disease, do not plant kale or other cole crops in the same location more than once every three or four years.
Plant in a location that enjoys partial sun and remember to apply water fairly sparingly. Keep in mind when planting that Red Russian is thought of as very hardy, so this plant will tend to survive through freezing conditions. Planting Red Russian in loamy soil with a ph of between 6.0 and 7.5 is ideal for as it does best in weakly acidic soil to weakly alkaline soil.Propagate by seed
Germination temperature: 45 F to 85 F – Will germinate at soil temperatures as low as 40 F.
Days to emergence: 4 to 7
Seed can be saved 4 years.
Try to aim for a seed spacing of at least 11.89 inches (30.48 cm) and sow at a depth of around 0.5 inches (1.27 cm). Soil temperature should be kept higher than 13°C / 55°F to ensure good germination.By our calculations, you should look at sowing Red Russian about 49 days before your last frost date.
Harvest early in the morning and pick leaves from the bottom in order to encourage tops to produce more.
Ragged jack, Russian