BEAR NECESSITIES KALE SEEDS

Brassica napus

ORGANIC

Like Jane Grigson, I hate kale. It lacks the sweetness of spigariello, the addictive pungency of mustards, or the bitter crunch of chicories. The enduring popularity of kale is a mystery to me. But I continue to grow kale, trialing interesting varieties as I find them. And it's a good thing, or I'd have never known about this spectacular, adorable, eminently edible kale bred by Tim Peters. The mizuna in its lineage is no doubt responsible for the pleasant taste and texture of the leaves. The advanced frilliness of Bear Necessities is almost breathtaking, and young leaves contribute significant fluff and surface area to salads. Adding these greens to soups requires no implement, just tear off the fine frills and toss them into the pot. So easy and so good.

Color will vary somewhat, but many of these plants will possess a magical combination of seafoam or spring green with deep pinks and purples. Like all kales, they pretty up and sweeten up in cold weather.

Plants can tolerate a great deal of summer heat without bolting, and will begin producing many more tender leaves when cool autumn weather arrives. An excellent selection for regions with unpredictable temperatures and precipitation. The tender frilly leaves can be used for salad all season.

Brassica seeds can remain viable for several years and are easy to germinate. Kale is best started indoors: sow seeds about 1/8" deep in moist soil, pressing gently to keep seed cozy. Keep warm (70°F) and moist in bright light, where seeds will germinate within a week. Grow on in individual pots or cells in a cool location, taking care to transplant into the garden before they are rootbound. This kale will tolerate cool soil and prefers to grow in cool weather, although they will survive a hot summer and become dramatically more ornamental and edible in the autumn and winter.

Brassicas are heavy feeders and will benefit from rich soil amendments and applications of compost throughout the growing season. Rotate in the garden on a four year cycle. Bulbing onions are great companions for kale. Use clippings from the herb garden (mints, basils, oreganos, etc.) around Brassicas to deter cabbage moths. Mulch and water regularly.

Packet contains at least 100 seeds.