How To Grow Vates Blue Scotch Curled Kale From Seed

Vates Blue Scotch Curled kale is one of the most reliable and rewarding leafy greens you can grow from seed. Known for its compact growth habit, deeply curled blue green leaves, and excellent cold tolerance, this heirloom kale variety has been a favorite among home gardeners for decades. If you are looking to grow nutrient dense greens that thrive in a wide range of conditions, Vates Blue Scotch Curled kale is an excellent choice.

This complete growing guide will walk you through how to grow Vates Blue Scotch Curled kale from seed, covering seed starting, planting schedules, soil preparation, watering, pest control, and harvesting. Whether you are growing kale in raised beds, containers, or traditional garden rows, these tips will help you produce healthy plants and abundant harvests.

Recommended seeds: Vates Blue Curled Scotch Kale Seeds

Why Grow Vates Blue Scotch Curled Kale

Vates Blue Scotch Curled kale is prized for its hardiness, flavor, and versatility in the kitchen. It performs especially well in cooler weather and can tolerate frost better than many other leafy greens.

Benefits of growing Vates Blue Scotch Curled kale include:

• Cold hardy and frost tolerant

• Compact plants that work well in small gardens

• Tender leaves with a mildly sweet flavor

• Continuous harvest over a long season

• Heirloom and open pollinated variety

For gardeners learning how to grow kale from seed, this variety is forgiving and productive, making it ideal for beginners and experienced growers alike.

When to Plant Vates Blue Scotch Curled Kale Seeds

Kale is a cool season crop that grows best in spring and fall. Proper timing ensures strong growth and better tasting leaves.

Spring Planting

Start kale seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before your last expected frost date, or direct sow seeds outdoors as soon as the soil can be worked. Kale seeds germinate in cool soil and young plants can tolerate light frost.

Fall Planting

For a fall harvest, direct sow kale seeds 8 to 10 weeks before your first expected frost. Fall grown kale often develops sweeter leaves, especially after exposure to cold temperatures.

Ideal growing temperatures for kale range between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Kale grown in hot weather may become bitter or tough.

How to Start Vates Blue Scotch Curled Kale from Seed

Starting kale from seed is simple and reliable, whether you choose indoor seed starting or direct sowing.

Starting Kale Seeds Indoors

To start seeds indoors:

1. Fill seed trays or small pots with a quality seed starting mix

2. Plant seeds about one quarter inch deep

3. Lightly cover with soil and water gently

4. Place trays in a bright location or under grow lights

5. Maintain temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees

Kale seeds typically germinate within 5 to 10 days.

Direct Sowing Kale Seeds Outdoors

Direct sow seeds one quarter inch deep and about 2 inches apart. Once seedlings emerge, thin them to proper spacing to encourage healthy growth.

Recommended seeds: Vegetable Seed Vault Kit | 35 Variety Pack

Hardening Off and Transplanting Kale Seedlings

Seedlings started indoors should be hardened off before transplanting outdoors. This process reduces transplant shock and helps plants adjust to outdoor conditions.

How to Harden Off Kale

About 7 days before transplanting:

• Place seedlings outdoors for a few hours each day

• Gradually increase sun and wind exposure

• Protect from heavy rain or extreme cold

Once hardened off, seedlings should be stocky and dark green.

Transplant Spacing

Space Vates Blue Scotch Curled kale plants 12 to 18 inches apart in rows spaced about 18 to 24 inches apart. Adequate spacing improves airflow and reduces disease pressure.

Soil Preparation for Growing Kale

Healthy soil is the foundation of productive kale plants. Kale prefers fertile, well draining soil rich in organic matter.

Ideal Soil Conditions

• Soil pH between 6.0 and 7.5

• Loose, well draining soil

• High organic matter content

Before planting, amend soil with compost or well aged manure. Kale benefits from nitrogen rich soil, especially during early growth stages.

Watering and Fertilizing Vates Blue Scotch Curled Kale

Consistent moisture and regular feeding help kale produce tender, flavorful leaves.

Watering Guidelines

Kale needs about 1 inch of water per week. Uneven watering can cause stress and reduce leaf quality.

Best watering practices include:

• Water deeply at the base of the plant

• Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged

• Use mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds

Fertilizing Kale Plants

Kale is a moderate feeder and benefits from regular fertilization.

A simple feeding schedule:

• Apply balanced fertilizer or compost at planting time

• Side dress with compost or nitrogen rich fertilizer every 3 to 4 weeks

• Reduce feeding once plants reach full size

Over fertilizing can lead to excessive leaf growth with reduced flavor.

Common Pests and Problems When Growing Kale

Kale is generally hardy but can attract common garden pests, especially in warm weather.

Common Kale Pests

• Cabbage worms

• Aphids

• Flea beetles

• Slugs and snails

Row covers can help protect young plants. Regular inspection and hand removal of pests are effective for small gardens.

Common Growing Issues

• Yellowing leaves from nitrogen deficiency

• Tough leaves caused by heat stress

• Slow growth due to compacted soil

Healthy soil and consistent care prevent most problems.

Harvesting Vates Blue Scotch Curled Kale

One of the biggest advantages of kale is its ability to produce continuously throughout the season.

When to Harvest Kale

You can begin harvesting once leaves reach 6 to 8 inches long. Harvesting regularly encourages new growth.

How to Harvest Kale

• Harvest outer leaves first

• Leave the central growing point intact

• Use clean scissors or garden shears

• Harvest frequently for tender leaves

Frost exposure improves flavor, making fall and winter kale especially sweet.

Recommended seeds: Lettuce Seed Assortment | 5 Variety Pack

Growing Kale in Containers and Small Spaces

Vates Blue Scotch Curled kale is well suited for container gardening due to its compact size.

Tips for container grown kale:

• Use containers at least 10 to 12 inches deep

• Choose a high quality potting mix

• Ensure good drainage

• Water more frequently than in ground plantings

Container grown kale can thrive on patios, balconies, and small gardens.

Storing and Using Fresh Kale

Freshly harvested kale can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, kale can be blanched and frozen.

Vates Blue Scotch Curled kale is excellent for:

• Fresh salads and slaws

• Smoothies and juices

• Soups and stews

• Sauteed side dishes

• Kale chips

Its curly leaves hold sauces well and maintain texture when cooked.

Final Thoughts on Growing Vates Blue Scotch Curled Kale from Seed

Growing Vates Blue Scotch Curled kale from seed is a simple and rewarding way to enjoy fresh, nutrient rich greens throughout the growing season. With proper timing, fertile soil, and consistent watering, this hardy kale variety produces reliable harvests even in challenging conditions.

Whether you are planting in early spring, fall, or overwintering in mild climates, Vates Blue Scotch Curled kale proves itself as a dependable garden staple. By following these growing tips, you can enjoy healthy plants and flavorful leaves from seed to harvest year after year.