{"product_id":"300-vates-blue-curled-kale-seeds","title":"300+ Vates Blue Curled Kale Seeds","description":"\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVates Blue Curled Kale Seeds (Brassica oleracea var. acephala)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e produce compact, hardy plants with densely curled, blue-green leaves and a tender texture. Developed from Dwarf Blue Curled Scotch kale, this dependable variety is known for retaining its attractive color during both cold and warm weather. The flavorful leaves are excellent for fresh salads, smoothies, soups, stir-fries, steaming, and homemade kale chips. Vates Kale grows especially well during cool weather and can continue producing fresh leaves after light autumn frosts.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlanting Season\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBest planted in: Early Spring \u0026amp; Late Summer to Fall (Cool-Season Crop)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSow seeds in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked. For a fall harvest, sow approximately three months before the average first frost date.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVates Blue Curled Kale performs best in cool conditions. Established plants tolerate frost, and exposure to cool autumn weather can improve the sweetness and flavor of the leaves.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHow to Grow Vates Blue Curled Kale Seeds\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSow seeds directly outdoors or start them indoors approximately four weeks before transplanting.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChoose a location receiving at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Light afternoon shade can help protect plants during warmer weather.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGrow in fertile, loamy, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter. A soil pH between 6.0 and 7.5 is ideal.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSow seeds approximately ¼–½ inch deep.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor direct sowing, plant seeds approximately 1–2 inches apart in rows spaced 18–30 inches apart.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThin seedlings to approximately 8–12 inches apart after they become established. Allow 12–18 inches between plants when larger mature leaves are desired.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor baby-leaf production, plants may be spaced approximately 4 inches apart.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKeep the soil consistently moist during germination, but do not allow it to become waterlogged.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSeeds typically germinate within approximately 5–10 days under suitable conditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhen starting indoors, sow 2–3 seeds per cell and thin to the strongest seedling after emergence.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTransplant seedlings when they are approximately four to five weeks old and have developed several true leaves.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHarden seedlings gradually before transplanting by exposing them to outdoor conditions over several days.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHow to Care for Vates Blue Curled Kale Plants\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWater regularly and provide approximately 1 inch of water per week when rainfall is insufficient.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaintain steady moisture throughout the growing season. Heat and moisture stress can make kale leaves tougher, more pungent, and more bitter.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWater near the base of the plants to keep the foliage dry and reduce the risk of leaf diseases.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAmend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure before planting.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eApply a balanced or nitrogen-containing vegetable fertilizer after the plants become established if growth is slow or the leaves appear pale.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvoid excessive fertilizer, especially when the soil has already been enriched with compost.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eApply a 3–4-inch layer of clean straw, dried grass clippings, or another organic mulch to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRemove weeds with shallow cultivation to avoid damaging the roots.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRotate kale and other brassica crops to a different garden location each year. Avoid planting them where cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, mustard, turnips, or related crops have grown during the previous four years.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eInspect plants regularly for cabbageworms, cabbage loopers, flea beetles, aphids, and slugs. Lightweight row covers can protect young plants from common insect pests.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHarvest the tender outer leaves when they reach a useful size, leaving the smaller central leaves intact so the plant continues growing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor baby kale, begin harvesting young leaves before they reach full size. For mature leaves, pick from the bottom of the plant upward.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHarvest regularly to encourage continued leaf production. Leaves generally become sweeter and more flavorful after exposure to light frost.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVates Blue Curled Kale typically reaches maturity in approximately 55 days, depending on temperature and growing conditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Srk Garden","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52514903916826,"sku":"V106","price":3.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0894\/5657\/4746\/files\/1_207c2380-82a6-4599-a17f-288063bcc287.png?v=1784187368","url":"https:\/\/srkgarden.com\/products\/300-vates-blue-curled-kale-seeds","provider":"Srk Garden","version":"1.0","type":"link"}