

There are many colorful (and nutrition-packed) varieties of kale. A cold-weather crop, this green grows best in spring and fall, and can handle frosts.
Despite its current popularity among the hipster set, kale is a classic. For centuries, this green vegetable has been easy to cook (or eat raw) and easy to grow.
Plain, curly, rape, and lacinato are kale standards, with many other colorful (and nutrition-packed) varieties to choose from. It’s a cold-weather crop, growing best in spring and fall, and can handle fall frosts. In tougher climates, shield to extend harvest. Try ‘Winterbor’ to tolerate frost well or ‘Red Russian’ for an early crop. Know that frost will sweeten kale’s earthy taste. To lengthen your harvest, clip outer leaves when they reach six inches.