Ragged Jack Kale (Red Russian Kale)
Don’t let his unkempt outfit fool you: Jack is robust, tasteful, and adds an elegant frill wherever he goes. Just like a traveling Russian peasant, Ragged Jack has many colorful stories to tell: stories of wilted kale salads, deep green sautés, and potato-kale soups. Be kind to this weary world traveler, and let him take root in your garden. He will overwinter with just a little protection and thank you with a delicious flourish of spring greens and flower buds.
This variety’s tender leaves are bluish-green framed by pinkish-red veins. It’s as at-home in a decorative border as it is in a productive row. Because its leaves are flat and thin, it wilts very quickly; if cooking with thicker, curlier kale varieties, toss it in later to keep it from overcooking.Â
This variety is also known as Red Russian Kale.
