What are the sun requirements for Brassica napus 'Red Russian'?

Brassica napus 'Red Russian' requires Full Sun.

How much water does Brassica napus 'Red Russian' need?

Brassica napus 'Red Russian' has Medium water needs.

Brassica napus 'Red Russian', Red Russian Kale

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Vegetables

Brassica napus 'Red Russian'

Red Russian Kale

Brassicaceae

Open-pollinated cultivar; the species B. napus originated from a cross between B. oleracea and B. rapa in the Mediterranean/European region

At a Glance

TypeAnnual

HabitUpright

FoliageDeciduous

Height24-36 inches (60-90 cm)

Width18-24 inches (45-60 cm)

Maturity1 years

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Container Friendly

Maintenancemoderate

Overview

Brassica napus 'Red Russian' is Red Russian kale (Ragged Jack kale), a cool-season annual forming an upright open rosette 24-36 inches (60-90 cm) tall and 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) wide. Deeply lobed oak-leaf-shaped blue-green leaves with red to purple veining and purple-red stems. The species is B. napus (a natural hybrid of B. oleracea x B. rapa), not B. oleracea like most kale cultivars. The deeply lobed flat leaf shape (like a frilly oak leaf) distinguishes Red Russian from curly kale (B. oleracea var. sabellica) and Lacinato kale (B. oleracea var. palmifolia). The leaves are more tender and thinner than curly or Lacinato types — suited to raw salads. In the mustard family (Brassicaceae). Open-pollinated — seed can be saved. Cold-hardy: the purple pigment (anthocyanin) intensifies after frost. Cool-season crop: bolts in sustained heat above 80°F (27°C). Harvest outer leaves by cut-and-come-again starting at 4-6 inches (10-15 cm), or full-size at 60-90 days. Cabbage worms (Pieris rapae), aphids, and flea beetles are primary pests. Not deer-resistant. Non-toxic (edible crop). Full sun to partial shade. Annual. Growth rate is moderate.

Native Range

Open-pollinated cultivar. The species B. napus originated from a natural cross between B. oleracea and B. rapa in the Mediterranean/European region.

Suggested Uses

Grown in vegetable gardens, raised beds, and containers of at least 5 gallons (19 L). Cool-season crop — spring and fall. The tender thin leaves are suited to raw salads (unlike tougher curly kale). Open-pollinated — save seeds. Not deer-resistant. Non-toxic. Annual.

How to Identify

Identified by deeply lobed oak-leaf-shaped blue-green leaves with red to purple veining and purple-red stems in an open rosette. The flat lobed leaf shape distinguishes Red Russian from curly kale (ruffled edges) and Lacinato kale (long narrow pebbled). B. napus (not B. oleracea). In Brassicaceae.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height2' - 3'

Width/Spread1'6" - 2'

Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~4 weeks

Spring Summer

Bolts in sustained heat or in the second year — bright yellow 4-petaled cruciform flowers. Bolting makes leaves bitter. Flowering is undesirable. Pinch flower buds.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Bright yellow, 4-petaled cruciform — only if allowed to bolt; undesirable for leaf production

Foliage Description

Blue-green to silvery-green with red to purple veining and purple-red stems; the purple pigment intensifies after frost

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun Partial Shade

Requires 4-10 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam

Drainagemoist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

60-90 days from seed to full-size leaf; 25-30 days for baby leaf

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Full sun to partial shade. Rich moist soil pH 6.0-7.5. Cool-season crop — bolts above 80 degrees F (27 degrees C). Purple pigment intensifies after frost. Open-pollinated — save seeds. Cabbage worms, aphids, flea beetles. Not deer-resistant. Non-toxic. Annual.

Pruning

Harvest outer leaves by cut-and-come-again starting at 4-6 inches (10-15 cm). Leave the central growing point intact. Remove bolting stalks and flower buds. Remove yellowed or pest-damaged leaves.