The Purple Tenderleaf Kale is an original creation developed over many years from crosses between several popular kale varieties. This unique variety features large, dark green leaves with prominent purple veins and a soft, tender texture. Its flavor is mild and slightly sweet, especially after a frost, making it ideal for fresh consumption, soups, stir-fries, and smoothies. Perfect for the year-round garden, this kale adapts very well to the coastal climate of British Columbia and is particularly popular for winter cultivation.

Where to grow Purple Tenderleaf Kale?

It grows well in zones 3 to 9, in full sun or partial shade. It is suitable for both garden beds and container cultivation. It is adapted to cool-season crops and can overwinter in milder regions.

History and Traditional Uses

Kale has long been a staple in cold-climate gardens, valued for its cold hardiness and nutritional richness. This variety was selected at Metchosin Farm over ten years, combining the sweetness and hardiness of traditional types with tender leaves. Kale has historically been consumed as a nutritious leafy green, raw or cooked.

Canadian Zone Information

Zones 8–9: Direct sow in early spring or fall; harvest possible all winter.
Zones 5–7: Sow outdoors in spring and late summer; protection recommended for winter crops.
Zones 3–4: Start indoors then transplant after frosts; use of row covers recommended to extend the season.

How to Grow and Harvest Purple Tenderleaf Kale

Planting: Sow seeds 0.5 cm (¼ inch) deep, spacing them 30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 inches) apart.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods.
Harvesting: Pick young leaves for salads or wait until after a frost for a sweeter flavor.
Maintenance: Use mulch to retain moisture and control weeds; remove old leaves to promote new growth.

Seed Saving Tips for Future Supply

Overwinter plants: Kale flowers in its second year.
Harvest mature seeds: Collect pods when they are dry and brittle.
Drying and storage: Remove seeds from pods and store in a cool, dry, dark place.
Longevity: Seeds remain viable for 4 to 5 years under good conditions.

Certified organic by
Islands Organics Producers Association (Cert#1962)