{"product_id":"purple-soft-leaf-kale","title":"Purple tender leaf kale seeds","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere to grow Purple Tenderleaf Kale?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistory and Traditional Uses\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKale 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCanadian Zone Information\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eZones 8–9\u003c\/strong\u003e: Direct sow in early spring or fall; harvest possible all winter.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eZones 5–7\u003c\/strong\u003e: Sow outdoors in spring and late summer; protection recommended for winter crops.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eZones 3–4\u003c\/strong\u003e: Start indoors then transplant after frosts; use of row covers recommended to extend the season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"1977\" data-start=\"1668\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0570\/7841\/5473\/files\/Plant_Hardiness.png?v=1734491528\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2028\" data-start=\"1979\"\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to Grow and Harvest Purple Tenderleaf Kale\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlanting\u003c\/strong\u003e: Sow seeds 0.5 cm (¼ inch) deep, spacing them 30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 inches) apart.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWatering\u003c\/strong\u003e: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHarvesting\u003c\/strong\u003e: Pick young leaves for salads or wait until after a frost for a sweeter flavor.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaintenance\u003c\/strong\u003e: Use mulch to retain moisture and control weeds; remove old leaves to promote new growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeed Saving Tips for Future Supply\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverwinter plants\u003c\/strong\u003e: Kale flowers in its second year.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHarvest mature seeds\u003c\/strong\u003e: Collect pods when they are dry and brittle.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDrying and storage\u003c\/strong\u003e: Remove seeds from pods and store in a cool, dry, dark place.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLongevity\u003c\/strong\u003e: Seeds remain viable for 4 to 5 years under good conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCertified organic by\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIslands Organics Producers Association (Cert#1962)\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Metchosin Farm","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53644644778352,"sku":"MF-GREENS-020","price":5.75,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0969\/0801\/8032\/files\/Purple-Soft-Leaf-Kale_97a0b124-b87c-4522-9975-ae7dfc238489.jpg?v=1776549347","url":"https:\/\/www.biocos.ca\/en\/products\/purple-soft-leaf-kale","provider":"Biocos Canada ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}