Homesteader's Kaleidoscopic Perennial Kale Grex Seeds
Homesteader's Kaleidoscopic Perennial Kale Grex Seeds - Brassica oleracea var. Ramosa
- Hardy to Zone 6
- Full Sun to Partial Shade
- Germination Tested November 22, 2024: 95%
- Approximately 70 seeds per packet
This kale is a joy to grow in so many ways. This mix was created by Chris Homanics by crossing perennial bush kales with several other brassicas. The genetics are diverse, containing a variety of leaf colours, shapes, and textures. All are delicious! The young leaves are good for salads, larger leaves are good for cooking or "collard" wraps. I’ve been delighted to see some variegated white, lavender, and hot pink plants, which I've been encouraging. Almost all the plants are perennial, meaning that even after they flower in their second year, they continue to grow and produce tasty leaves. You can cut off and eat the flower buds to keep the plant producing leaves instead of seeds.
The plants grow large and most are branching and bushy or a palm tree shape, and can be pruned if desired to be more compact. As they grow tall, most plants will flop over and root along the stem where they touch the ground. To keep the plants more upright, they can be staked.
The plants eventually lose their vigour after a few years, but your favourite plants can be propagated by woody stem cuttings almost any time of year. Just stick the cuttings in the ground and keep moist.
You can select your favourite individuals from this diverse mix and create your own perennial kale variety!
I've been selecting for colourful and variegated leaves for the last few years, as well as a perennial growth habit. There is likely a small amount of the hot pink Candy Floss Kale genetics in this population, which is a biennial, but it seems to be a minimal amount based on my grow outs.
Bees and other pollinators, like mason bees, love the flowers. When flowering, the plants can reach 6-8 feet tall. The flowers, buds, and flowering stems are very tasty. Try eating them raw, or use like broccolini in stir fries etc.
Please let me know if you come across any very colourful, cold hardy, or otherwise interesting individuals. I'd love to know what this kale does in your conditions.
---
This seed has been released under the Open Source Seed Initiative (OSSI) license to keep it out of the hands of multinational seed corporations, and keep it in the hands of the people. The pledge states: “You have the freedom to use these OSSI-Pledged seeds in any way you choose. In return, you pledge not to restrict other's use of these seeds or their derivatives by patents or other means, and to include this pledge with any transfer of these seeds or their derivatives.” More information on OSSI can be found at osseeds.org.
There kale is part of a collaborative breeding project through the Experimental Farm Network. Learn more and get involved here: https://www.experimentalfarmnetwork.org/project/14
Growing Instructions
Growing Instructions
Start indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date, and transplant when soil warms up. Or direct sow in early spring to mid summer. Sow about 1/4 inch deep. The plants prefer full sun, but can also do well in part shade. It is recommended to plant them 3 feet apart because they are so vigorous and can grow quite wide and tall, but they can be thinned as they grow, and/or pruned to keep them compact.
Shipping & Returns
Shipping & Returns
We ship seeds via Canada Post within Canada for $6 to $8 depending on weight, United States for $12, and Internationally for $20*. Live plants and large bulbs can only be shipped within Canada.
Any shipping overages will be refunded.
Shipping in Canada
We ship seeds in Canada via regular letter mail, which is an untracked service, and usually takes 1-2 weeks to arrive once we fulfill your order. Larger bulbs and plants are sent via tracked flat rate box.
Shipping to the US
We ship all US orders via regular letter mail, which is an untracked service, and usually takes 1-2 weeks to arrive.
In our experience shipping seeds over several years, most small orders will make it across the border without issues, but occasionally they will be held at US Customs.
It is the buyer's responsibility to ensure that seeds or bulbils are allowed to be sent to your region. We are not able to replace packages that are confiscated or destroyed by customs in your country.
Shipping Internationally
International orders are usually shipped via untracked packet. The package will list the contents as "Garden Seeds". It is your responsibility to ensure you have the required import permit. Cicada Seeds will not be responsible for any orders held of confiscated by customs.
International shipping countries include: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong SAR, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom. Sometimes Canada Post will not allow us to ship to certain countries due to wars or natural disasters, see this page for delivery service alerts: https://www.canadapost-postescanada.ca/cpc/en/our-company/news-and-media/service-alerts.page
Please reach out if your country is not on this list, email us and we will try to arrange an alternate shipping option.
If you have any issues with your order, please contact us within 60 days and we will do our best to make it right.
*Shipping fees listed here are in Canadian dollars.
Ecologically Grown
Ecologically Grown
Seeds are grown ecologically without the use of chemical pesticides or fertilizers.
Very good seed
Rare and nicely packed
Today is August 1st. I received Kale seeds in April and immediately sowed them in trays. They germinated very well and in June I planted them in multiple spots around my vegetable garden. some have light pink veining while others are green. Flavor is fantastic, not as bitter as other annual varieties. I'm looking forward to seeing them last through winter!
Excellent seeds. Germinated quickly and growing well.
Great germination rate and the plants are looking healthy!
Great seeds