Scarlet

Scarlet Kale Seeds

[75 days] A striking medium to late curly kale, Scarlet produces tall plants reaching up to 120cm, with heavily blistered, very curly leaves in a rich violet-green. As the weather turns cold, freezing temperatures intensify the colour into an attractive violet-blue, making it as much a feature in the winter garden as it is a crop on the plate.

Highly frost resistant, Scarlet keeps producing right through the coldest months, with the flavour becoming sweeter and milder after the first hard frosts.

As well as growing on to full maturity, Scarlet also makes a very attractive babyleaf subject, with young leaves adding vibrant colour and texture to salads.

Height: 120cm (47.2")

Common Questions

Why does Kale Scarlet turn purple in cold weather? Frost triggers the plant to convert starches into sugars as a natural cold-protection response, which both deepens the violet-blue colouring and sweetens the flavour of the leaves.

Can Kale Scarlet be harvested as a baby leaf crop? Yes. Sow more thickly and harvest the young leaves at just a few centimetres tall for a colourful, tender addition to salads, rather than waiting for the plants to reach full size.

Does Kale Scarlet need staking or support? Given its height of up to 120cm, taller plants can benefit from a stake or cane in exposed or windy positions, though most gardens won't need extra support if the plants are earthed up a little at the base.