Kale

Brassica napus

Bear Necessities is an unusual and highly attractive Kale with finely divided, feathery foliage that becomes increasingly frilled as the plants mature. Young plants can initially resemble Red Russian Kale, but with age the leaves develop a much finer, almost Mizuna-like appearance.

This is an excellent “Kale for people who don’t like Kale”. The flavour is mild with a gentle mustardy note, without the stronger cabbage character of many traditional varieties. Young leaves are particularly tender and excellent added raw to salads, while mature leaves become beautifully soft and mild when cooked.

The deeply cut foliage also makes Bear Necessities useful as a cut-and-come-again green. Harvest individual leaves regularly while leaving the central growing point intact, and plants will continue producing over an extended period.

As a Brassica napus rather than Brassica oleracea, Bear Necessities belongs to a different species from common curly kales such as Dwarf Blue Curled and Tuscan Kale. It thrives through cool weather and mature plants tolerate frost well, with cooler conditions often improving the sweetness and tenderness of the leaves.

Approximately 100 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: Autumn to winter
Subtropics: Late summer to winter
Mild climates: Late summer to spring
Cold climates: Spring to autumn

Planting / Sowing

Sow approximately 5–10 mm deep directly into prepared soil or raise in trays for transplanting. Keep consistently moist during germination.

Space plants approximately 30–45 cm apart in full sun to part shade with fertile, well-drained soil. Maintain regular moisture to encourage tender leafy growth.

Begin harvesting individual baby leaves when young for salads or allow plants to mature for larger, increasingly feathery leaves. Regular harvesting encourages continued production.

If saving seed, Bear Necessities can cross-pollinate with other Brassica napus crops flowering at the same time, including compatible B. napus kales, swedes and canola, so appropriate isolation is required to maintain the variety true to type.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Brassica oleracea var. acephala

Curly Scarlet is a striking open-pollinated Kale producing deeply curled leaves in rich shades of scarlet, burgundy and purple. The colour intensifies as temperatures fall, making this an especially beautiful vegetable through the cooler months.

Young leaves are tender enough to harvest as baby greens for salads, where their colour provides a dramatic contrast to other leafy vegetables. Mature leaves develop a fuller flavour and are excellent steamed, sautéed, baked into kale chips or added to soups, stews, pasta and other cooked dishes. Removing the tougher central stem before cooking larger leaves gives the most tender result.

Kale is one of the oldest cultivated forms of Brassica oleracea, originating from the Mediterranean region and grown for its leaves rather than a tightly formed head. It is naturally rich in nutrients, particularly vitamins A, C and K, along with carotenoids and minerals.

Curly Scarlet thrives in cool weather and mature plants are remarkably frost hardy. Exposure to cold can deepen the purple-red pigmentation and often improves flavour as the plant accumulates sugars in response to low temperatures.

Seed count: approximately 250–370 seeds/g
Approximately 120 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: Autumn to winter
Subtropics: Late summer to winter
Mild climates: Late summer to spring
Cold climates: Spring to autumn

Planting / Sowing

Sow approximately 5–10 mm deep directly into prepared soil or raise in trays for transplanting. Keep consistently moist during germination.

Space plants approximately 30–45 cm apart in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil and a near-neutral pH. Keep plants well watered to encourage tender leafy growth.

Harvest individual outer leaves as required, leaving the central growing point intact so plants continue producing. Baby leaves can be picked young for salads, while mature leaves develop their strongest colour during winter.

If saving seed, Curly Scarlet can cross-pollinate with other Brassica oleracea crops flowering at the same time, including other kales, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts, so adequate isolation is required to maintain the variety true to type.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Brassica oleracea var. acephala

Dwarf Blue Curled is a classic Scotch-type Kale producing dense rosettes of finely curled blue-green leaves. Compact, hardy and highly productive, it is an excellent choice for smaller gardens while still providing a generous harvest over an extended period.

The deeply curled leaves have a robust kale flavour that becomes noticeably sweeter and more tender after exposure to light frost. Young leaves can be harvested for salads and baby-leaf mixes, while mature leaves are excellent steamed, sautéed, added to soups and stews, blended into pesto or baked into kale chips.

Scotch kales have been cultivated in northern Europe for centuries, where their exceptional cold tolerance made them an important winter vegetable. Dwarf Blue Curled retains this resilience and is slow to bolt, allowing plants to remain productive through cool conditions.

Kale is one of the oldest cultivated forms of Brassica oleracea, originating from the Mediterranean region and grown for its leaves rather than a tightly formed head. It is naturally rich in vitamins A, C and K, along with carotenoids and minerals.

Approximately 350 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: Autumn to winter
Subtropics: Late summer to winter
Mild climates: Late summer to spring
Cold climates: Spring to autumn

Planting / Sowing

Sow approximately 5–10 mm deep directly into prepared soil or raise in trays for transplanting. Keep consistently moist during germination.

Space plants approximately 30–45 cm apart in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil and a near-neutral pH. Keep plants well watered to encourage tender leafy growth.

Harvest individual outer leaves as required, leaving the central growing point intact for continued production. Light frost is well tolerated and can improve both the sweetness and tenderness of the leaves.

If saving seed, Dwarf Blue Curled can cross-pollinate with other Brassica oleracea crops flowering at the same time, including other kales, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts, so adequate isolation is required to maintain the variety true to type.

Maturity: approximately 55–80 days.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Brassica oleracea var. acephala

Dwarf Green is a compact, traditional Kale producing abundant curled, light green leaves on short, sturdy stems. Its smaller growth habit makes it particularly useful for small vegetable gardens, raised beds and containers while still providing generous harvests of nutritious leafy greens.

The tender young leaves can be picked for salads and baby-leaf mixes, while mature leaves develop a fuller kale flavour and are excellent steamed, sautéed, added to soups and stews, blended into pesto or baked into kale chips.

Kale is one of the oldest cultivated forms of Brassica oleracea, originating from the Mediterranean region and grown for its leaves rather than a tightly formed head. It is naturally rich in vitamins A, C and K, along with carotenoids and minerals.

Dwarf Green thrives through the cooler months and mature plants tolerate frost well. Cold conditions can improve the flavour and sweetness of the leaves, making it an excellent winter vegetable. Its relatively quick maturity also makes it useful for successive sowings.

Approximately 120 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: Autumn to winter
Subtropics: Late summer to winter
Mild climates: Late summer to spring
Cold climates: Spring to autumn

Planting / Sowing

Sow approximately 5–10 mm deep directly into prepared soil or raise in trays for transplanting. Keep consistently moist during germination.

Space plants approximately 30–40 cm apart in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil and a near-neutral pH. Keep plants well watered to encourage tender leafy growth.

Harvest individual outer leaves as required, leaving the central growing point intact so plants continue producing. Baby leaves can be picked young for salads, while mature leaves are best harvested regularly to encourage fresh growth.

If saving seed, Dwarf Green can cross-pollinate with other Brassica oleracea crops flowering at the same time, including other kales, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts, so adequate isolation is required to maintain the variety true to type.

Maturity: approximately 50–65 days.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Brassica napus

Dwarf Siberian is an exceptionally hardy Kale producing attractive blue-green, plume-like leaves with softly frilled edges. Plants remain compact at approximately 30–40 cm tall but are vigorous and prolific, providing generous harvests of tender leafy greens through the cooler months.

The young leaves are mild and tender enough to use fresh in salads and baby-leaf mixes, while larger leaves can be steamed, sautéed or added to soups, stews and other cooked dishes. The flavour becomes sweeter and more tender after exposure to cold weather.

Despite the name, Siberian Kale is not a Brassica oleracea kale. It belongs to Brassica napus, the same species as Bear Necessities, swedes and canola. Siberian-type kales are particularly renowned for their exceptional cold tolerance and have long been valued in regions where winter conditions make other leafy vegetables difficult to grow.

Dwarf Siberian is remarkably frost hardy and the blue-green foliage holds well without yellowing even through severe cold. Frost can actually improve eating quality as the plants accumulate sugars in response to low temperatures.

Seed count: approximately 250–370 seeds/g
Approximately 120 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: Autumn to winter
Subtropics: Late summer to winter
Mild climates: Late summer to spring
Cold climates: Spring to autumn

Planting / Sowing

Sow approximately 5–10 mm deep directly into prepared soil or raise in trays for transplanting. Keep consistently moist during germination.

Space plants approximately 30–40 cm apart in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil and a near-neutral pH. Keep plants well watered to encourage tender leafy growth.

Harvest individual outer leaves as required, leaving the central growing point intact so plants continue producing. Young leaves are excellent raw, while larger mature leaves are particularly good cooked.

If saving seed, Dwarf Siberian can cross-pollinate with other Brassica napus crops flowering at the same time, including other B. napus kales, swedes and canola, so appropriate isolation is required to maintain the variety true to type.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Brassica oleracea var. acephala

Nero di Toscana, also known as Lacinato, Cavolo Palmizio or Black Cabbage, is a classic Italian heirloom kale prized for its long, heavily blistered dark green leaves and exceptional flavour. The plants produce an abundance of leaves from the centre, providing continuous harvests throughout the cooler months. Its rich, slightly sweet flavour becomes even more pronounced after frost, making it ideal for soups, stews, stir-fries, pasta dishes, and fresh salads when picked young.

Approximately 120 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: April to August
Subtropics: March to September
Mild climates: February to October
Cold climates: Spring to early autumn

Planting / Sowing
Sow seed directly or raise seedlings, planting 5 mm deep in fertile, well drained soil in full sun. Transplant seedlings when 10–15 cm tall, spacing plants 40–50 cm apart. Harvest the outer leaves regularly to encourage continuous production from the centre of the plant.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Brassica oleracea var. acephala

Nero Di Toscana is a magnificent old Italian Kale producing long, narrow, deeply blistered leaves in very dark blue-green. Also known as Lacinato, Tuscan Kale, Cavolo Nero, Black Cabbage and Cavolo Palmizio, the leaves emerge continuously from the centre of the plant, eventually creating a striking palm-like appearance.

The leaves have a rich, earthy flavour that becomes sweeter and more tender after exposure to frost. Young leaves can be finely shredded into salads, while mature leaves are excellent braised, sautéed or added to soups, stews and pasta dishes. Remove the firm central rib from larger leaves before cooking if desired.

This traditional Tuscan vegetable has been cultivated in Italy for centuries and is particularly associated with the rustic cooking of Tuscany. It is an essential ingredient in ribollita, the famous Tuscan bread and vegetable soup, and is also traditionally paired with beans, olive oil and garlic.

The Italian name Nero di Toscana means “black of Tuscany”, referring to the exceptionally dark colour of its foliage. The alternative name Cavolo Palmizio, or “palm cabbage”, describes the palm-like form that mature plants develop as the lower leaves are harvested.

Plants are vigorous, cold hardy and productive over a long period. Mature plants tolerate frost well, and cold weather can significantly improve the flavour of the leaves.

Seed count: approximately 250–370 seeds/g

Approximately 120 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: Autumn to winter
Subtropics: Late summer to winter
Mild climates: Late summer to spring
Cold climates: Spring to autumn

Planting / Sowing

Sow approximately 5–10 mm deep directly into prepared soil or raise in trays for transplanting. Keep consistently moist during germination.

Space plants approximately 40–50 cm apart in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil and a near-neutral pH. Maintain regular moisture to encourage tender leafy growth.

Harvest individual outer leaves from the bottom upwards, leaving the central growing point intact. Plants will continue producing fresh leaves from the centre over an extended period.

If saving seed, Nero Di Toscana can cross-pollinate with other Brassica oleracea crops flowering at the same time, including other kales, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts, so adequate isolation is required to maintain the variety true to type.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Nero di Toscana, also known as Lacinato, Cavolo Palmizio or Black Cabbage, is a classic Italian heirloom kale prized for its long, heavily blistered dark green leaves and exceptional flavour. The plants produce an abundance of leaves from the centre, providing continuous harvests throughout the cooler months. Its rich, slightly sweet flavour becomes even more pronounced after frost, making it ideal for soups, stews, stir-fries, pasta dishes, and fresh salads when picked young.

Approximately 120 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: April to August
Subtropics: March to September
Mild climates: February to October
Cold climates: Spring to early autumn

Planting / Sowing
Sow seed directly or raise seedlings, planting 5 mm deep in fertile, well drained soil in full sun. Transplant seedlings when 10–15 cm tall, spacing plants 40–50 cm apart. Harvest the outer leaves regularly to encourage continuous production from the centre of the plant.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Brassica oleracea

Ornamental Fringed Mixed Kale is grown for its striking rosettes of deeply curled and fringed foliage, creating the appearance of large, colourful flowers. Sometimes called flowering kale or cabbage rose, plants develop shades of green, cream, white, pink and purple, with colours becoming richer and more pronounced as temperatures cool.

Native to the Mediterranean region, ornamental kale brings colour and texture to garden beds, borders and containers through the cooler months when many flowering plants are dormant. The unusual foliage is also popular with florists and can be harvested on long stems for use in floral arrangements.

Although primarily grown as an ornamental, the leaves are edible like other kales, though they tend to be tougher and more strongly flavoured than varieties selected specifically for eating.

Approximately 100 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: Autumn to winter
Subtropics: Autumn to winter
Mild climates: Late summer to winter
Cold climates: Summer to early autumn

Planting / Sowing

Sow directly or raise in trays, covering seed approximately 5 mm deep. Keep moist during germination and transplant once seedlings are well established.

Space plants approximately 30–40 cm apart in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Cooler temperatures encourage the strongest foliage colour, particularly as plants mature.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Brassica napus var. pabularia

Red Russian is a classic heirloom kale first recorded in 1885, prized for its attractive blue-green leaves with reddish-purple veins and stems. The tender leaves have a sweet, mild flavour that makes them excellent for salads when young, while mature leaves are delicious steamed, sautéed, or added to soups and stews. Vigorous plants grow 45–90 cm tall and are exceptionally cold hardy, tolerating temperatures down to approximately -10°C. Matures in around 50–60 days.

Approximately 120 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: April to August
Subtropics: March to September
Mild climates: February to October
Cold climates: Spring to early autumn

Planting / Sowing
Sow seed directly or raise seedlings, planting 5 mm deep in fertile, well drained soil in full sun. Transplant seedlings when 10–15 cm tall, spacing plants 40–50 cm apart. Harvest young leaves for salads or pick the outer leaves regularly to encourage ongoing production.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Brassica napus var. pabularia

Red Russian is a classic heirloom kale first recorded in 1885, prized for its attractive blue-green leaves with reddish-purple veins and stems. The tender leaves have a sweet, mild flavour that makes them excellent for salads when young, while mature leaves are delicious steamed, sautéed, or added to soups and stews. Vigorous plants grow 45–90 cm tall and are exceptionally cold hardy, tolerating temperatures down to approximately -10°C. Matures in around 50–60 days.

Approximately 120 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: April to August
Subtropics: March to September
Mild climates: February to October
Cold climates: Spring to early autumn

Planting / Sowing
Sow seed directly or raise seedlings, planting 5 mm deep in fertile, well drained soil in full sun. Transplant seedlings when 10–15 cm tall, spacing plants 40–50 cm apart. Harvest young leaves for salads or pick the outer leaves regularly to encourage ongoing production.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Brassica oleracea var. acephala

Scotch Borecole is a traditional Kale producing dense clusters of tightly curled green leaves with finely frilled edges. Exceptionally hardy and productive, it provides a long harvest of nutritious greens through the cooler months and is one of the classic forms of curly kale.

The young leaves are tender enough for salads and baby-leaf mixes, while mature leaves develop a fuller flavour and are excellent steamed, sautéed, braised or added to soups and stews. The tightly curled foliage also makes excellent kale chips. Like many kales, its flavour becomes sweeter and more tender after exposure to cold weather and light frost.

The name “borecole” comes from the Dutch boerenkool, meaning “farmer’s cabbage”, reflecting kale’s long history as a dependable, cold-hardy staple crop in northern Europe. Scotch-type kales became particularly important in Scotland, where their ability to withstand harsh winter conditions provided fresh greens when relatively few other vegetables were available.

Plants tolerate frost well and continue producing over a long period when individual outer leaves are harvested regularly. They prefer full sun and fertile, well-drained soil with consistent moisture.

Approximately 120 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: Autumn to winter
Subtropics: Late summer to winter
Mild climates: Late summer to spring
Cold climates: Spring to autumn

Planting / Sowing

Sow approximately 5–10 mm deep directly into prepared soil or raise in trays for transplanting. Keep consistently moist during germination.

Space plants approximately 30–45 cm apart in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil and a near-neutral pH. Keep plants well watered to encourage tender leafy growth.

Harvest individual outer leaves as required, leaving the central growing point intact so plants continue producing. Regular harvesting provides a steady supply over an extended period.

If saving seed, Scotch Borecole can cross-pollinate with other Brassica oleracea crops flowering at the same time, including other kales, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts, so adequate isolation is required to maintain the variety true to type.

Maturity: approximately 55–65 days.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Brassica oleracea var. costata

Tronchuda, also known as Portuguese Kale, Portuguese Cabbage or Couve Tronchuda, is a traditional loose-leaf brassica producing broad, tender green leaves with distinctive thick, fleshy white midribs. Unlike heading cabbages, plants form an open rosette and can be harvested progressively in much the same way as kale.

The large leaves have a mild, sweet cabbage-like flavour and are excellent in soups, stews, braises and stir-fries or used as generous leafy wraps. The substantial white stems and midribs are particularly prized for their tender, juicy texture and can be cooked and eaten along with the leaves.

A vigorous and productive variety, Tronchuda allows the outer leaves to be picked as required while the central growing point continues producing fresh foliage. It is more tolerant of warmer conditions than many traditional kales and cabbages, making it a particularly useful leafy green for Australian gardens.

Plants perform best in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil and consistent moisture, although established plants are relatively hardy and adaptable.

Approximately 170 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: Autumn to winter
Subtropics: Autumn to spring
Mild climates: Autumn to spring
Cold climates: Spring to summer

Planting / Sowing

Sow directly or raise in trays, approximately 5–10 mm deep. Keep consistently moist during germination and establishment.

Transplant or thin seedlings to approximately 40–50 cm apart in full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Harvest the large outer leaves individually as required, always leaving the central growing point intact to continue producing.

If saving seed, remember that Tronchuda will cross-pollinate readily with other compatible Brassica oleracea varieties, so adequate isolation is required to maintain the variety true to type.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Brassica napus var. pabularia

Red Russian Kale is an attractive and fast-growing leafy green prized for its tender texture, mild flavour and striking colour. Young plants produce blue-green leaves with finely cut edges and contrasting purple-red stems and veins, making them particularly appealing in baby leaf salads and microgreen mixes.

Harvested young, Red Russian has a sweeter and more delicate flavour than many mature kales, with tender leaves that can be eaten fresh in salads, sandwiches and wraps. Microgreens are crisp and mild, while larger baby leaves are excellent fresh or lightly cooked in stir-fries, soups and vegetable dishes.

Highly nutritious, productive and cold tolerant, Red Russian is an excellent choice for microgreen and baby leaf production. Regular harvesting encourages continued growth, allowing larger plants to provide repeated cut-and-come-again harvests.

Approximately 300 seeds per gram

Microgreens & Baby Leaf Production: Year round Australia-wide

Tropics: Year round
Subtropics: Year round
Mild climates: Year round
Cold climates: Year round in a protected position

Planting / Sowing

For microgreens, sow seed densely over a moist growing medium and lightly press into the surface. Keep evenly moist and provide bright light once seedlings emerge. Harvest when the cotyledons are fully developed or the first true leaves begin to appear, typically 7–14 days after sowing.

For baby leaf production, sow more thinly in trays, containers or garden beds and harvest leaves when they reach approximately 8–15 cm tall. Cut above the growing point to encourage further growth and repeated harvests.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.