Half-dwarf Green Kale - Brassica oleracea acephala

Brassica oleracea var. sabellica (acephala group) is an easy-to-grow variety of kale that is very hardy. It produces beautiful curly leaves in a deep green colour. It is particularly suitable for regions with harsh winters. The seeds can be sown from June to September for a harvest from October to February.

Curly kale is a vegetable plant native to Europe, particularly Mediterranean regions. It belongs to the large Brassicaceae family. The term acephala refers to the fact that they do not form a head or "cabbage".

Kale has large, fibrous, curly leaves that range in colour from pale green to very dark green, sometimes with a slight bluish tint. It is highly resistant to cold, diseases, and even caterpillars. It is particularly beautiful, especially under a light frost. In fact, some small varieties are solely grown to decorate autumn and winter flower beds.

Kale is a biennial grown as an annual. It has a delightful flavour and is extremely nutritious. It is low in calories, and rich in vitamins K, A, and C, as well as calcium and beta-carotene.

The flavour is pronounced. It is usually eaten cooked, in soups, braised, or stuffed. Curly kale is an excellent winter vegetable.

It needs deep soil, excellent fertilisation, and regular moisture. It thrives in full sun.

Harvest: the leaves can be harvested one by one, as needed. Note that in spring, you can also harvest the floral shoots before they bloom and consume them like broccoli.

Storage: it can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days. It can keep in the freezer for several months after being blanched for a few minutes in salted boiling water.

Gardener's tip: when the plants are developed, we recommend that you mulch the soil with successive thin layers of grass clippings, if possible mixed with dead leaves. This protection keeps the soil moist and reduces weeds.