Kale is a popular, nutrient-dense leafy green that is relatively simple to cultivate in a home garden, making it a common choice for new and experienced growers alike. To successfully begin a kale harvest, the initial step is selecting high-quality seeds from reliable sources. Understanding the differences between kale varieties and knowing how to assess seed viability are crucial for ensuring a productive and rewarding growing season. Acquiring your seeds involves navigating various vendors, each offering a distinct balance of convenience, selection, and quality.
Selecting the Best Kale Variety for Your Needs
Selecting the right kale variety is an important first decision, as different types offer unique flavor profiles and growing characteristics. Lacinato kale, also known as Dinosaur or Tuscan kale, features long, narrow leaves with a deeply savoyed texture. This Italian heirloom is known for its milder, slightly sweeter, and earthier flavor, which is enhanced after a light frost.
Red Russian kale, belonging to the species Brassica napus, features flat, tender leaves with attractive purple stems and veins. It is one of the most cold-hardy varieties, and its tenderness makes it excellent for fresh eating in salads, especially when harvested as a baby green.
Dwarf Blue Curled or Vates kale is a common curly type, recognized for its compact form and finely ruffled, blue-green foliage. This variety is valued for its slow-bolting nature and exceptional tolerance for cold weather, which helps prolong the harvest season.
Comprehensive Sources for Purchasing Kale Seeds
The source from which you purchase your kale seeds affects the selection available and the assurance of quality. Specialized seed companies, often found online, are the most reliable option for gardeners seeking a wide selection of heirloom, open-pollinated, or organically certified seeds. These vendors typically provide extensive cultural information and guarantee the genetic purity and freshness of their offerings.
Online retail giants and large marketplaces offer unparalleled convenience and price, but purchasing here requires caution. While many reputable seed brands sell through these platforms, the risk of receiving seeds from unreliable, third-party sellers with questionable storage practices is present. Checking seller reviews for comments regarding germination success and variety accuracy is necessary to mitigate this risk.
Physical retail locations provide immediate access, ranging from large chain garden centers to local independent nurseries. Big-box stores and hardware stores usually stock a limited range of popular kale varieties at competitive prices. However, the seeds at these locations may have been subjected to inconsistent temperatures, potentially lowering their viability. Local, independent nurseries are often a better resource, as their selection is curated to feature varieties that perform well in the specific regional climate. Staff at these smaller operations can offer personalized advice on the best kale choices for your garden’s microclimate.
Evaluating Seed Quality and Post-Purchase Storage
Assessing the quality of kale seeds involves reviewing specific metrics provided by the seller. The “packed for” date is more relevant than any implied expiration date, as kale seeds can remain viable for up to four years under proper conditions. Reputable suppliers may also list a germination rate, which indicates the percentage of seeds expected to sprout under laboratory conditions. For kale, 80% to 90% is a desirable range.
If you have older seeds or a small packet whose viability you question, a simple paper towel test can provide an estimate of the current germination rate. Place ten seeds on a moist paper towel, fold it, and place it inside a sealed plastic bag in a warm location for a week. The number of seeds that sprout will give you an indication of how densely you need to sow the remainder of the packet.
For long-term storage of unused seeds, the goal is to keep them cool, dark, and dry to preserve their dormant state. Storing them in an airtight container with a desiccant, like silica gel, inside a refrigerator or a cool basement is ideal. A rule of thumb for maximizing longevity is ensuring that the sum of the storage temperature in Fahrenheit and the relative humidity percentage is less than 100.