Ragged Jack Kale is a distinctive and resilient option for gardeners. Its deeply lobed, often reddish-purple leaves add visual appeal and robust flavor to the garden and table. Its hardiness allows it to thrive in various conditions.
Understanding Ragged Jack Kale
Ragged Jack Kale, also known as Red Russian Kale, is an heirloom variety with a history dating back to before 1885, possibly introduced by Russian traders into North America. Its name aptly describes its appearance, featuring deeply cut, feathery leaves that resemble oak leaves. The leaves typically display a bluish-green hue with prominent purplish or reddish veins, and these colors often intensify to a deeper magenta or purple in cooler weather.
This kale variety is prized for its tender texture and a flavor profile that sweetens significantly after exposure to frost. While its leaves are tender, the stems can be quite fibrous, especially on mature plants, and are often discarded before consumption. Ragged Jack Kale can grow into substantial plants, sometimes reaching 18 to 36 inches in height.
Growing Ragged Jack Kale
Ragged Jack Kale thrives in full sun but tolerates partial shade, ideally receiving at least six hours of sunlight daily. It prefers well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter (pH 6.0-7.0). Incorporating compost or well-rotted manure before planting significantly enhances soil fertility and structure.
Seeds can be direct-sown in the garden about 2-4 weeks before the last expected frost in spring, or in late summer, roughly 8 weeks before the first fall frost, for a robust autumn harvest. If starting seeds indoors, they should be transplanted when they are 3-4 inches tall, typically 4-6 weeks after germination. Proper spacing is important; plants should be 8-12 inches apart in rows 18-30 inches apart.
Consistent moisture is crucial, requiring 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week from rainfall or irrigation. Water deeply and infrequently at the soil level to maintain even soil moisture and prevent fungal diseases. Mulching with straw, leaves, or bark chips helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature, keeping the roots cool. Fertilize every 4-6 weeks with a balanced organic fertilizer or compost for continuous growth.
Harvesting and Using Ragged Jack Kale
Ragged Jack Kale is ready for harvest when leaves reach hand-size, typically 50-60 days from transplanting. Employ the “cut-and-come-again” method for continuous harvests: pick only outer, older leaves, leaving the central growing point intact to encourage new growth. Harvest about a fistful of outer leaves per plant, no more than one-third at a time, for sustained production.
Flavor improves and sweetens considerably after a light frost, making fall and early winter harvests desirable. This kale is versatile, suitable for both raw and cooked preparations. Young, tender leaves are excellent in salads; mature leaves can be sautéed, added to soups, stews, or baked into crispy kale chips. Beyond its culinary appeal, kale is recognized for its nutritional value, being a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, antioxidants, and minerals.
Common Growing Challenges
Cultivating Ragged Jack Kale may encounter issues with pests and environmental stress. Common pests include cabbage worms and aphids, which damage leaves and stunt growth. Regular inspection and organic management strategies, such as hand-picking caterpillars or using a strong jet of water to dislodge aphids, can help control infestations. Companion planting with nasturtiums or mint can deter some pests.
Disease prevention involves good cultural practices. Ensuring adequate air circulation, watering at the soil level to keep foliage dry, and practicing crop rotation every 3-4 years helps reduce fungal and bacterial disease risk. Selecting disease-free seeds or transplants contributes to a healthier crop.
Bolting (premature flowering and seed production) can occur due to temperature fluctuations, drought, or extended warm weather. To prevent bolting, provide consistent soil moisture, use mulch to regulate soil temperature, and consider partial shade during hot spells. Regular harvesting also helps keep the plant in its vegetative state and delays bolting.