Kale Mars Landing – Renee’s Garden

Description

Brassica oleracea

Specialty Kale

Mars Landing kale has a truly out of this world appearance! The tender leaves are a wonderful bronzy purple/maroon color with light green underneath and notched and scalloped edges. Besides its sensational appearance, this tender, mild and very tasty variety holds well in the garden without getting tough or stringy or losing quality. Enjoy nutrition-packed, richly colored Mars Landing kale for months in delicious salads, or steam, braise or add to soups and stews.
Seed Count: Approx. 360/ Weight: 1.25 g

TO START DIRECTLY IN THE GARDEN

As soon as ground can be worked in spring, prepare a well-drained, fertile garden bed in full sun. Sowgroups of 3 seeds each 10-12 in. apart and 1/2 in. deep, in rows 12-18 in. apart. Keep soil evenly moist. When seedlings are 3 in. tall, thin to just 1 seedling per group.Sow again in late summer for another cold-hardy crop.

TO START INDOORS

Sow seeds in a container of seed starting mix 2 inch. apart and cover 1/2 inch. deep. Keep moist and provide a strong light source until seedlings are 3 to 4 inch. tall then plant outdoors.

THIN OR TRANSPLANT

Space 10 to 12 inch. apart so plants have room to mature.

GROWING NOTES

Kale tastes best in cool weather so sow spring crops early. If sown in late summer, kale will yield through fall and winter except in the coldest climates. Frost actually enhances kale leaves’ colour, flavor and sweetness. Mulch to retain moisture in summer and before the ground freezes to protect the roots of fall crops.

HARVEST AND USE

Begin harvesting outer leaves when plants have 6 to 8 leaves. Vitamin-rich kale is delicious in hearty winter soups, stews and sauts; or braise the beautiful leaves with garlic and olive oil in traditional Mediterranean style. Pull and discard once the plants begin to bloom since the leaves of flowering stalks get tough and bitter.