Don’t let his unkempt outfit fool you: Jack is robust, tasteful, and adds an elegant frill wherever he goes.Just like a traveling Russian peasant, Ragged Jack has many colorful stories to tell: stories of wilted kale salads, deep green sautées, and potato-kale soups. Be kind to this weary world traveler, and let him take root in your garden. He will overwinter with just a little protection and thank you with a delicious flourish of spring greens and flower buds.
This variety's tender leaves are bluish-green framed by pinkish-red veins. It's as at-home in a decorative border as it is in a productive row. Because its leaves are flat and thin, it wilts very quickly; if cooking with thicker, curlier kale varieties, toss it in later to keep it from overcooking.
- 100 seeds included
Growing Instructions
Sow indoors beginning 8 weeks before last frost. Sow in succession until 8 weeks before first fall frost to ensure an autumn crop, which is tastiest. Prefers fertile soil, but will generally succeed even in less-than-ideal conditions. Harvest outer leaves, which allows the plant to continue to produce new growth. Stays delicious well into winter.
Quick Tips
| Days to Germination | 3-10 days |
|---|---|
| Days to Maturity | 50 days |
| Planting Depth | ½" |
| Spacing in Row | 18" |
| Spacing Between Rows | 18" |
| Height at Maturity | 18-36" |
| Width at Maturity | 18" |
| Sun Preference | Full Sun |