Growing Guides

🥬 How to Grow Kale ‘Vates’ (Dwarf Blue Curled Scotch)

Cold-hardy, compact kale with deeply curled blue-green leaves — perfect for raised beds, containers, and cool-season harvests.

🌱 Sowing & Germination

• Direct Sowing: Sow outdoors 2–4 weeks before last frost in spring, or 8–10 weeks before first frost in fall
• Indoor Start (Optional): Start seeds indoors 4–6 weeks before transplanting
• Planting depth: Sow ¼–½ inch deep, spaced 8–12 inches apart
• Germination time: 5–10 days in 60–75°F soil
• Thin seedlings: When 2–3 inches tall, to avoid overcrowding

☀️ Light & Growing

• Grows best in full sun, but tolerates partial shade
• Thrives in cool weather — flavor improves after light frost
• Ideal for spring, fall, and even mild winter growing in some zones
• Use mulch to retain moisture and protect roots

💧 Watering & Soil

• Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist, especially during dry periods
• Prefers well-drained, fertile soil enriched with compost
• Maintain consistent moisture to avoid bitterness

✂️ Harvesting Kale

• Harvest outer leaves when they reach 6–8 inches long
• Always leave the center intact to encourage continuous growth
• Baby leaves can be harvested earlier for salads
• Plant can continue producing for months with regular picking

💡 Growing Tips

• Great for containers, raised beds, or row planting
• Use row covers to protect from pests like cabbage loopers or aphids
• For sweetest flavor, harvest after a light frost
• Replant every few weeks for a continuous supply

🥗 Why Grow Vates Kale?

• ✅ Compact and productive — ideal for small spaces
• ✅ Extremely cold-hardy and reliable
• ✅ Rich in vitamins A, C, K and antioxidants
• ✅ Delicious raw, steamed, sautéed, or added to smoothies

🥬 Heirloom Kale ‘Vates’ delivers nutrition-packed, curly leaves in a compact, resilient plant — a top choice for gardeners who want hardy greens all season long.