Scarlet Kale

[Ctilly]

Hi, I grew scarlet kale this past season and it did not turn bright purple like the seed packet implied just a muted color. I'm assuming this could be a sun exposure issue especially since it did get some shade in the late afternoons. Does anyone know how I can get it bright purple? I know it's possible I've seen it in stores and also in nurseries.

 

[Chuck]

Hi, I grew scarlet kale this past season and it did not turn bright purple like the seed packet implied just a muted color. I'm assuming this could be a sun exposure issue especially since it did get some shade in the late afternoons. Does anyone know how I can get it bright purple? I know it's possible I've seen it in stores and also in nurseries.

With what and how often did you fertilize?

 

[Ctilly]

I only fertilized once with some Jobe all purpose gardening fertilizer. I also put down in early spring aged chicken manure.

 

[Chuck]

I only fertilized once with some Jobe all purpose gardening fertilizer. I also put down in early spring aged chicken manure.

Leafy greens need a continuous and steady supply of NPK. Fertilizing once is not enough, at least once per month but every 2 weeks is preferable. Just a handful of the Jobes is sufficient when sprinkled around the base of the plant every 2 - 4 weeks. Greens need quite of bit of N so adding the chicken manure is also a good idea. Do the manure no more than once per month.

 

[Ctilly]

Great, thank you for the advice! I will add that to my notes for next year!!