Crop: Kale (Brassica napus)

Use/Type: Standard

Breeder: Frank Morton Wild Garden Seed

OSSI Pledge Date: 11/18/2015

Release Date: 11/18/2015

Bred for Organic Systems: Yes

Commercial Availability: Yes

Variety Type: Finished Variety

Description

This new release is actually an old denizen of our own evolving Wild Garden. It has been part of the surviving kale tribe since the deepest freezes of the mid 90s. When we grew it at GTF last winter, the vigor, health, and performance in a commercial setting was impressive to everyone, including Rodrigo, who harvested a treasure of “kale raab” from it during the hungry gap, before spring has arrived and markets are spare. He commented on the caliper of the tender stems, their weight, and sweetness. Leaves grey-green with purple-red veins and stems. Sow mid-July through late August. First leaves are flat, becoming more rumpled, edged with ruffled margins, and extra heavy by time bunching begins. In climates with winters above 5-10°F, most plants will live to produce red napini (aka “kale raab”) from late March through April—a welcome finale to production here. Super quality seed!

Availability from OSSI Seed Company Partners

• Wild Garden Seed
• The Real Seed Catalogue
• Vital Seeds