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

Brassica napus 'Red Russian' requires full sun to partial shade.

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

Brassica napus 'Red Russian' has moderate to high water needs.

Brassica napus 'Red Russian', Red Russian Kale

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Annuals

Brassica napus 'Red Russian'

Red Russian Kale

UnknownEurope

At a Glance

Typeannual

Habitupright rosette

Foliagedeciduous

Height24-36 inches

Width18-24 inches

Maturity0.25 years

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators

Attracts Butterflies

Container Friendly

Maintenancemoderate

Overview

Brassica napus 'Red Russian' is a striking kale cultivar renowned for its ornamental beauty and exceptional cold tolerance. This distinctive variety forms an open, upright rosette of deeply lobed, blue-green leaves that resemble oak leaves in their elegant, serrated shape. The most remarkable feature is the vivid contrast between the silvery blue-green foliage and the dramatic purple-red leaf stems and prominent red veining that courses throughout each leaf blade. The plant reaches 24-36 inches in height with a spread of 18-24 inches, creating an impressive presence in both vegetable and ornamental gardens. The leaves have a relatively smooth texture compared to curly kale varieties, with gentle waves along the margins that add to their decorative appeal. Brassica napus 'Red Russian' becomes increasingly colorful as temperatures cool, with the red and purple pigments intensifying to create a stunning display that rivals many ornamental plants. When allowed to bolt, typically in late spring or during hot weather, the plant produces tall stalks crowned with clusters of small, bright yellow flowers.

Native Range

Brassica napus originates from the Mediterranean basin and temperate regions of western and southern Europe, where its wild ancestors have been cultivated since ancient times. The 'Red Russian' cultivar was developed through careful selection for enhanced cold tolerance and distinctive purple-red coloration, making it particularly well-suited to northern climates and extending the growing season for fresh greens.

Suggested Uses

Brassica napus 'Red Russian' excels in vegetable gardens, ornamental edible landscapes, and mixed borders where its colorful foliage provides visual interest alongside its culinary value. The striking appearance makes it suitable for decorative kitchen gardens, container plantings, and even cut flower arrangements where the colorful stems add unique texture. Ideal for succession planting to ensure continuous harvests, and particularly valuable for fall and winter gardens in mild climates. The compact size makes it perfect for raised beds, small space gardening, and interplanting with other cool-season crops.

How to Identify

Brassica napus 'Red Russian' can be easily identified by its unique combination of deeply lobed, oak-leaf shaped foliage and striking color contrast. Look for blue-green to silvery-green leaves with prominent red to purple veining and distinctively colored stems ranging from deep red to purple. Unlike curly kale varieties, the leaves are relatively flat with only slight undulation along the edges. The plant maintains an open, loose growth habit rather than forming tight heads, and the colorful stems are visible throughout the rosette. The deeply cut leaf lobes are more pronounced than most other kale varieties, creating an almost frilly, ornamental appearance.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height2' - 3'

Width/Spread1'6" - 2'

Reaches mature size in approximately 0.25 years

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow

Foliage Colors

blue

green

purple

red

Fall Foliage Colors

purple

red

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

SpringSummer

late spring to early summer when bolting occurs

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

bright yellow

Foliage Description

blue-green to silvery-green with red to purple veining and colorful stems

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

Partial Shade

• 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

Drainage

well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

moderate to high

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2-3 months

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Brassica napus 'Red Russian' thrives in cool weather and requires consistent moisture throughout the growing season. Provide approximately 1 inch of water weekly, ensuring the soil remains evenly moist but well-draining to prevent root rot. Plant in rich, fertile soil amended with compost or well-rotted manure, and maintain soil pH between 6.0-7.5 for optimal nutrient uptake. Feed with a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks or side-dress with compost monthly. This variety performs best in temperatures between 60-70°F and can tolerate light frosts, which actually enhance both flavor and color intensity. In hot climates, provide afternoon shade and increase watering frequency to prevent premature bolting.

Pruning

Brassica napus 'Red Russian' benefits from regular harvesting rather than traditional pruning. Begin harvesting outer leaves when they reach 4-6 inches in length, always working from the outside of the rosette inward while leaving the central growing point intact. This cut-and-come-again harvesting method encourages continuous production throughout the season. Remove any yellowing, damaged, or pest-affected leaves promptly to maintain plant health. If flower stalks begin to develop and you wish to continue leaf production, cut them off immediately at their base to redirect the plant's energy back into foliage growth.

Maintenance Level

moderate

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 5 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Brassica napus 'Red Russian' is completely non-toxic and safe for human consumption. All parts of the plant are edible, with leaves being the primary harvest, though flowers and tender stems are also consumable. The plant is generally safe for pets in small quantities, though large amounts may cause mild digestive upset due to the high fiber content and natural compounds found in brassicas.

Planting Guide

Planting Methods & Timing

Planting Method

both

Indoor Start

4 weeks before last frost

Direct Sow Timing

early spring 2-4 weeks before last frost or late summer for fall harvest

Days to Maturity

60–90 days

Plant Spacing

12 inches

Companion Planting

Good Companions

onions

carrots

beets

lettuce

spinach

peas

radishes

herbs

Avoid Planting With

tomatoes

peppers

strawberries

pole beans

fennel