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Red Russian Kale | Tiny Town Farms

Heirloom Variety with Tender Leaves & Vibrant Stems | Grown Hydroponically, Pesticide-Free

Nutrition Information (per 100g)
NutrientAmount%RDI
Calories
28 kcal
—
Vitamin A
9500 IU
190%
Vitamin C
110 mg
122%
Vitamin K
817 mcg
681%
Iron
1.6 mg
9%
Fiber
3.5 g
12%

FAQs About Red Russian Kale

Can I eat the stems?

Yes! The stems are tender and flavorful, especially when cooked or sautéed.

Is this kale good for juicing?

Absolutely – milder and softer than curly kale, it blends easily with fruits and citrus.

Is Red Russian Kale more tender than regular kale?

Yes – especially when grown hydroponically, it’s naturally softer and sweeter.

Is your kale certified organic?

Not certified, but it’s grown pesticide-free in a clean, controlled hydroponic system – often cleaner than organic!

Farming Notes

Red Russian Kale

• Product Description

Well known and widely available in grocery stores and farmer’s markets, Red Russian kale is distinguished by its prominent flat, purple-veined leaves. The exact history of the heirloom variety remains ambiguous, but according to popular lore, it was brought to Canada by Russian fur traders in the 1880s. For many decades, it existed in obscurity until it became a favourite of seed savers in the 1980s. From then on, its popularity, and market, has skyrocketed.

Like its ancestor, Siberian kale, Red Russian is vigorous, productive, cold-hardy and attractive. Renowned for their smooth, sweet taste, the leaves are great for any culinary application. Eaten fresh, steamed, stir fried, baked into chips or added to soups, red Russian has become a go-to green for kale lovers.

The conspicuous purple tones indicate the presence of powerful antioxidants and supreme nutrition. Delicious, productive and rugged, Red Russian kale is particularly popular for all the right reasons.

• Growing Instructions

Growing your own kale is quite a rewarding experience. Harvesting fresh, nutritious green leaves on demand is the delight of every gardener who values the health benefits and beauty of this cabbage relative.

To get a head start on the growing season, start seeds indoors three to five weeks before the last spring frost. Alternatively, kale seeds can be sown directly into the garden in the late summer, six to eight weeks before the first predicted frost. Plant seeds 1 cm deep, bearing in mind they ultimately should be spaced 45 cm apart upon reaching maturity. Soil should be kept evenly moist throughout the germination process until seedlings are well established. Germination occurs within a week in warm soil.

Kale grows best in a site that receives full sun. Plenty of direct light is important to maximize growth and yields, but the green leaves do appreciate afternoon shade, especially on hot summer days. Shade cloth can be used to relieve plants from the beating sun.

Leafy greens like kale require soil that is rich in nitrogen to feed their continual vegetative growth. Supplement the soil with compost at the time of planting and feed with a nitrogen-heavy fertilizer periodically throughout the growing season. Well-drained soil is crucial to overall health, otherwise waterlogged plants may become riddled with slugs and disease.

Ensure that your mature kale plants receive 3-4 cm of water per week, whether it be from precipitation or irrigation. The right amount of moisture helps keep the leaves crisp and flavourful. Nobody likes bitter and tough kale! Drop a layer of mulch to keep the roots moist and cool.

Kale responds well to planting and transplanting when soil temperatures are around 16 degrees. If sowing directly, a minimum of seven degrees is required. Expect to start harvesting the leaves about two months after planting. Always harvest by removing the older outer leaves. This signals to the centre that it needs to produce more, increasing yields. Store leaves in the refrigerator with a bit of moisture and ventilation and they will keep for a week plus.

The uses for your fresh kale are countless. Young, tender leaves are spectacular in salads, whereas larger leaves can be added to soups, casseroles, smoothies, made into crispy chips or even juiced to enjoy nutrient-dense health shots.

An easy-to-grow and maintain leafy green superfood, kale deserves a spot in every health-conscious grower’s garden.

Quick Facts

  • Kale seeds will remain viable for 4 years if stored in a cool, dark place, ideally between 4 and 10⁰C. After that, the germination rate may start to go down.

Planting Details

  • Latin Name:
    Brassica oleracea
  • Life Cycle:
    Biennial, usually grown as an annual
  • Canada Hardiness Zone:
    7-9
  • Days to Maturity:
    50
  • Planting Depth:
    1 cm
  • Plant Spacing:
    45-60 cm
  • Row Spacing:
    60 cm
Kale

Red Russian Kale

from $4.50
per package
Product Overview
Red Russian Kale is a cold-hardy heirloom green with flat, deeply lobed green leaves and vivid purple-red stems. Grown hydroponically at Tiny Town Farms, this variety is prized for its sweet, earthy flavor and tender texture, making it perfect for salads, sautés, juices, and more.
  • Pesticide-Free & Non-GMO
    Clean, safe, and nutrient-rich
  • Sustainably Grown
    Using 90% less water than traditional farming
  • Why Choose Hydroponic Red Russian Kale
  • Longer shelf life
  • Free from soil contaminants
  • Packed with vitamins and minerals
  • Harvested at the Peak of Freshness
Flavour & Texture
  • Flavor Profile:
    Mildly sweet, nutty, and slightly earthy
  • Texture:
    Soft, flat leaves with tender red stems and frilled edges
Classification Information
  • Scientific Name:
    Brassica napus
  • Family:
    Brassicaceae
  • Variety:
    Red Russian Kale (Heirloom)
  • Type:
    Leafy Green / Brassica
Trivia & Origin

Red Russian Kale was introduced to North America by Russian traders in the 1800s. It’s an heirloom variety known for its cold tolerance, early growth, and colorful appearance.

At Tiny Town Farms, this variety thrives in our indoor hydroponic system, where it’s protected from pests and harvested at the peak of freshness year-round.

How to Choose the Best Red Russian Kale
Look for:
  • Lacy green leaves with purple veins and stems
  • Tender structure and upright, crisp feel
Avoid:
  • Yellowing or wilting
  • Dry, curled, or overly tough stems
How to Use & Enjoy
  • Salads:
    Best when young—try with lemon juice and tahini dressing
  • Sautés & Stir-Fries:
    Cooks quickly and retains texture
  • Soups & Broths:
    Adds richness and nutrients
  • Smoothies:
    Blends well with apple, ginger, and pineapple
  • Pro Tip:
    Unlike curly kale, Red Russian Kale doesn’t need massaging—just rinse, chop, and enjoy!
Storage & Freshness Tips
  • Refrigerator:
    Store unwashed in a cloth bag or breathable container
  • Shelf Life:
    5–7 days refrigerated
  • Freezing:
    Blanch, pat dry, and freeze in meal-size portions
  • Don’t wash before storing – moisture shortens shelf life
Cooking & Recipe Ideas
Recommended Recipes:
  • [Warm Red Russian Kale Salad with Tahini] (link)
  • [Garlic & Olive Oil Sautéed Kale] (link)
  • [Purple Stem Green Smoothie] (link)
Health Benefits
  • Great source of iron, calcium, and antioxidants
  • Supports bone health, immunity, and eye function
  • Lower in bitterness than curly kale – kid-friendly and flavorful
Sustainability & Farming Method
  • Grown Hydroponically Using 90% Less Water
  • Pesticide-Free, Non-GMO, and Harvested at their Peak of Freshness
  • Eco-Friendly Packaging for Minimal Waste
Why Hydroponic Farming?
  • Uses significantly less water than traditional farming
  • No synthetic pesticides or fertilizers
  • Protects crops from soil-borne diseases and contamination
  • Reduces the carbon footprint with year-round production
  • Grown indoors with zero exposure to weather, pests, or contaminants – resulting in consistent, gourmet-quality
Nutrition Information (per 100g)
NutrientAmount%RDI
Calories
28 kcal
—
Vitamin A
9500 IU
190%
Vitamin C
110 mg
122%
Vitamin K
817 mcg
681%
Iron
1.6 mg
9%
Fiber
3.5 g
12%

FAQs About Red Russian Kale

May we also suggest …

    Farming Notes

    Red Russian Kale

    • Product Description

    Well known and widely available in grocery stores and farmer’s markets, Red Russian kale is distinguished by its prominent flat, purple-veined leaves. The exact history of the heirloom variety remains ambiguous, but according to popular lore, it was brought to Canada by Russian fur traders in the 1880s. For many decades, it existed in obscurity until it became a favourite of seed savers in the 1980s. From then on, its popularity, and market, has skyrocketed.

    Like its ancestor, Siberian kale, Red Russian is vigorous, productive, cold-hardy and attractive. Renowned for their smooth, sweet taste, the leaves are great for any culinary application. Eaten fresh, steamed, stir fried, baked into chips or added to soups, red Russian has become a go-to green for kale lovers.

    The conspicuous purple tones indicate the presence of powerful antioxidants and supreme nutrition. Delicious, productive and rugged, Red Russian kale is particularly popular for all the right reasons.

    • Growing Instructions

    Growing your own kale is quite a rewarding experience. Harvesting fresh, nutritious green leaves on demand is the delight of every gardener who values the health benefits and beauty of this cabbage relative.

    To get a head start on the growing season, start seeds indoors three to five weeks before the last spring frost. Alternatively, kale seeds can be sown directly into the garden in the late summer, six to eight weeks before the first predicted frost. Plant seeds 1 cm deep, bearing in mind they ultimately should be spaced 45 cm apart upon reaching maturity. Soil should be kept evenly moist throughout the germination process until seedlings are well established. Germination occurs within a week in warm soil.

    Kale grows best in a site that receives full sun. Plenty of direct light is important to maximize growth and yields, but the green leaves do appreciate afternoon shade, especially on hot summer days. Shade cloth can be used to relieve plants from the beating sun.

    Leafy greens like kale require soil that is rich in nitrogen to feed their continual vegetative growth. Supplement the soil with compost at the time of planting and feed with a nitrogen-heavy fertilizer periodically throughout the growing season. Well-drained soil is crucial to overall health, otherwise waterlogged plants may become riddled with slugs and disease.

    Ensure that your mature kale plants receive 3-4 cm of water per week, whether it be from precipitation or irrigation. The right amount of moisture helps keep the leaves crisp and flavourful. Nobody likes bitter and tough kale! Drop a layer of mulch to keep the roots moist and cool.

    Kale responds well to planting and transplanting when soil temperatures are around 16 degrees. If sowing directly, a minimum of seven degrees is required. Expect to start harvesting the leaves about two months after planting. Always harvest by removing the older outer leaves. This signals to the centre that it needs to produce more, increasing yields. Store leaves in the refrigerator with a bit of moisture and ventilation and they will keep for a week plus.

    The uses for your fresh kale are countless. Young, tender leaves are spectacular in salads, whereas larger leaves can be added to soups, casseroles, smoothies, made into crispy chips or even juiced to enjoy nutrient-dense health shots.

    An easy-to-grow and maintain leafy green superfood, kale deserves a spot in every health-conscious grower’s garden.

    Quick Facts

    • Kale seeds will remain viable for 4 years if stored in a cool, dark place, ideally between 4 and 10⁰C. After that, the germination rate may start to go down.

    Planting Details

    • Latin Name:
      Brassica oleracea
    • Life Cycle:
      Biennial, usually grown as an annual
    • Canada Hardiness Zone:
      7-9
    • Days to Maturity:
      50
    • Planting Depth:
      1 cm
    • Plant Spacing:
      45-60 cm
    • Row Spacing:
      60 cm