Our latest YouTube video takes you on a tour of our favorite kale varieties that we’re growing this fall in the Gardenerd Test Garden. See the new open pollinated options we’re trying for the first time, as well as tried and true varieties we grow every year.
Kale is a polarizing vegetable. We are firmly on the side of LOVE IT! Christy shares options for those who find kale too tough, so if you’re on the fence check them out.
Our Favorite Kale Varieties
Resources
Looking for kale recipes? Check out this recent blog post.
Learn how to ID and control cabbage moths / worms here
Here are the varieties mentioned in the video:
Tronchuda Beira – Portuguese kale – use as a collard or cabbage leaf too
Mars Landing – also from Renee’s Garden Seeds
Fizz – aka houseplant kale
Vates Blue – the most durable kale in our garden, great for kale chips
Hanover – apparently also known as Early Premier – more tender
Premier – a new one for us this year. A cousin of Hanover (some say the same as) and a Siberian type
Dazzling Blue – our favorite lacinato type kale
Red Russian – a trusty stand-by crop – sweeter than most kales
Dwarf Siberian – probably our favorite overall kale – tender and easy to chew
True Siberian – a full-sized version of Dwarf Siberian
Scarlet Kale – this variety shows up a little different every year, but beautiful every time
Lacinato – an old favorite that is popular with most eaters
Red Ursa – a red Russian type, sweet and colorful
Siber Frill – another exotic looking kale to try for fun – great in salads
ThousandHead – a monster in the making
hello,
Just watched your kale video and found it interesting. Did not know there were so many types. I gardened for many years, but only discovered growing kale a few years ago. I’ve only planted a couple types, but prefer the sweet leaf types. The Russian I tried one year continues to pop up year after year, but the leaves are too bitter for me. Which would you suggest are other more sweet leaf types?
thanks,
If Red Russian is still too bitter, give the Siberian types a try: Dwarf and True Siberian, Hanover, and Premier. They are more tender as well.
Listening to you on Greg Peterson’s pod cast. One point you made regarded a problem with rats and a company had a product to prevent reproduction. Who is that company?
Enjoyed your presentation.
I think what you’re looking for is ContraPest: https://contrapeststore.com/pages/residential-products