Kale

Basic Information

Seed Number

83

Seed Name

Kale

Variety

Siberian

Category

Vegetable

Plant Family

Brassicaceae

Plant Type

Siberian kale (Brassica napus)

Planting Method

Direct Sow or Transplant

Seed Status

In Seed Bank

Created

2026-08-14 00:50:34

Updated

2026-08-19 15:35:29

Planting Information

Start Planting Date

Mar 24

Last Recommended Planting Date

Jul 15

Plantable Months

March, April, May, June, July

Indoor Start

Mar 24 – Apr 15

Direct Sow

Apr 1 – Jul 15

Transplant

Apr 15 – Aug 1

Indoor Start Weeks Before Frost

6 weeks

Transplant Weeks After Frost

Not recorded

Germination Days

5–10 days

Harvest/Maturity

25–60 days 25 days baby leaf; about 60 days full size

Succession Planting

Not recorded

Growing Conditions

Ideal Soil Temperature

45-75°F

Planting Depth

1/4-1/2 in

Plant Spacing

8-12 in

Row Spacing

18-30 in

Thin-To Spacing

8-12 in

Sun Requirements

Full sun to partial shade

Water Needs

About 1-1.5 in/week; keep soil consistently moist

Soil Preference

Fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter; approximately pH 6.0-7.5

Minimum Container Size

3-5 gal

Plant Height

18-30 in

Perennial/Biennial Status

Biennial

Container Friendly

Yes

Trellis/Support Needed

No

Frost Tolerant

Yes

Heat Tolerant

No

Drought Tolerant

No

Pollinator Friendly

Yes

Medicinal

No

Garden Uses

Companion Planting

Storage

Seed Source/Brand

MSU Extension; Detroit frost dates; Almanac Detroit

Packet Year

Not recorded

Quantity Notes

Not recorded

Purchase Date

Not recorded

Expiration Year

Not recorded

Storage Box

Not recorded

Container

Not recorded

Envelope

Not recorded

Row

Not recorded

Slot

Not recorded

Storage Notes

Not recorded

Notes

Original Planting Method: Direct sow or start indoors
Outdoor / Direct Sow / Transplant Window: Apr 1 – May 15; Jul 15 – Aug 15
Days to Harvest / Bloom: 50–70 days
Container Friendly: Yes, 3–5 gal
Pollinator Friendly: Flowers if overwintered; modest
Medicinal / Herbal Use: Culinary
Succession / Reusable Notes: Great fall crop; flavor improves after frost.
Zone 6B Notes: Cover young plants if cabbage moth pressure is high.
Companion Plants: Onions, garlic, dill, chamomile, calendula, nasturtium, mint family nearby, beets
Avoid Planting Near / Watch Outs: Strawberries, pole beans close by
Sources: MSU Extension: https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/garden_planning_calendar | Detroit frost dates: https://www.ufseeds.com/vegetable-planting-calendar-detroit-michigan.html | Almanac Detroit: https://www.almanac.com/gardening/planting-calendar/MI/Detroit

[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT START]]
Zone 6B: Siberian kale is exceptionally cold tolerant and is excellent for both spring and fall crops. Direct sow in early spring or again around mid-July for fall harvest. Flavor improves after frost.
Germination: Seed germinates readily in cool soil. Sow 1/4-1/2 inch deep and maintain even moisture.
Harvest: Harvest baby leaves around 25 days or allow plants to reach full size around 60 days. Pick lower outer leaves while leaving the growing point intact.
Seed Saving: Siberian kale is Brassica napus and crosses with other B. napus crops such as rutabaga and some rapeseed/canola types. Plants are biennial for seed production.
Special Care: More cold hardy than many Brassica oleracea kales. Monitor for cabbage worms, flea beetles and aphids.
Research Source: Deep Harvest Farm — https://deepharvestfarm.com/product/true-siberian-kale/ — 25-day baby leaf and 60-day full-size maturity for True Siberian kale
Research Source: University of Minnesota Extension — https://extension.umn.edu/vegetables/growing-collards-and-kale — 1/4-1/2 inch sowing depth, 8-12 inch thinning, 18-30 inch rows and spring/fall planting
Research Source: University of Minnesota Extension — https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/planting-vegetables-midsummer-fall-harvest — kale cold tolerance to approximately 20°F and fall-crop timing
[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT END]]