Introduction
Kale, a type of non-heading cabbage or broccoli, is a member of the brassica family. In our, How to Grow Kale, Tricia shows us how to easy it is to grow kale in the garden. Kale comes in three basic varieties Scotch, Siberian and Bicolor. Scotch kales have grey-green leaves that are tightly curled and crumpled. Varieties include Lacinato and Scotch Blue Curled. Siberian kale has leaves which are blue-green and has smooth leaves with frilled edges. Examples include Siberian, White or Red Russian. All of these varieties are easy to grow, tasty and valued for garden performance and culinary use. 
Which Kale to Choose
So now you are sold on growing kale, which variety should you choose? Here is a short list of kale varieties and some qualities that may help you decide which one to choose:
- Red Russian – gourmet variety with red-purple veins, used in salads, cut and come again. Very mild, good in salads (see photo).
- Siberian – white stems with ruffled edges, hardy and fast growing. Mild flavor.
- Lacinato – also called Toscano kale or Dinosaur kale, thick crinkled leaves, grows to 48". Good for kale chips, very nice flavor (see photo below).
- White Russian – sister of Red Russian kale, moderately dissected leaves with white and green mid-veins. Mild taste.
- Ripbor – similar to Winterbor, more compact growth.
- Curly Roja – can be used as an ornamental or in an edible landscape.
- Scotch Blue Curled – one of the best frost resistant kales, finely curled leaves. Good in salads or for kale chips.
- Italian Tuscan Baby Leaf – fast growing, best tasting when picked small. Cut and come again.
- Portuguese Tronchuda Beira – more heat tolerant variety, paddle-shaped blue-green leaves, to 18", milder, sweeter flavor than other cole crops.
- Triple-Curled Dutch Darkibor – grows to 18", frilly leaves, mild and tender, good for kale chips or salads.
Check out our kale recipes on our resource page.
🥬 Resource Area: Kale Varieties, Nutrition & Growing Guide
Kale is a resilient, versatile crop that is easy to grow and useful in many dishes. Whether you are deciding which variety to plant or looking for kitchen inspiration, this comprehensive resource guide will walk you through growing, cooking, and understanding kale, from seed to table.
- 📘 Why Is Lacinato Kale Called Dinosaur Kale?
Explore how Lacinato kale earned its Jurassic nickname and why its thick, textured leaves make it perfect for cooler gardens and gourmet dishes. - 🌱 Growing Dinosaur Kale in Northern California
Learn how to grow cold-hardy Lacinato kale in challenging microclimates like the Sierra Nevada foothills, including tips for January seed starting. - 🎥 How to Grow Kale (Video)
Follow along with a step-by-step video tutorial showing how simple it is to grow kale at home—from soil prep to harvest. - 🍽️ Kale Chips Recipe
Turn any kale variety into a crispy, addictive snack with this easy oven-baked recipe. - 🥗 Kale & Black Bean Salad Recipe
Combine tender kale with protein-packed beans and zesty flavors for a fast meal or side dish. - 🛒 Shop Organic Kale Seeds
Compare heirloom, curly, and Siberian kale options, and verify each product listing for current organic certification and other seed attributes.
Kale varieties differ in leaf texture, color, cold tolerance, and culinary use.
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🥬 New Year’s Resolution: Eat More Kale – Iowa State Extension
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🥬 Kale: A versatile crop – NC State Extension
