White Russian Kale Seeds – Non-GMO Open-Pollinated

White Russian Kale Seeds

Grow exceptionally tender cool-season greens with White Russian Kale, Brassica napus. This Non-GMO, open-pollinated variety produces attractive blue-green serrated leaves with striking white stems and veins and is especially valued for its cold tolerance and excellent flavor during cool weather.

White Russian was developed by American plant breeder Frank Morton of Wild Garden Seed. The variety was selected for strong cold tolerance, vigorous growth, and an unusual ability to perform in wet winter soils.

Product Highlights

• White Russian open-pollinated kale variety.
• Non-GMO product trait.
• Tender blue-green leaves with prominent white ribs and stems.
• Approximately 50 days to full-size harvest under suitable conditions.
• Young leaves can be harvested earlier for baby greens.
• Cold-tolerant variety for spring and fall vegetable gardens.

Plant Profile

• Common Name: White Russian Kale
• Botanical Name: Brassica napus
• Variety: White Russian
• Pollination: Open-Pollinated
• Life Cycle: Biennial by nature; commonly grown as an annual leafy crop
• Growth Habit: Upright leafy vegetable
• Mature Height: About 24–30 inches
• Leaf Color: Blue-green to green with white veins and stems
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Fertile, moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter
• Preferred Soil pH: Approximately 6.0–7.5
• Full-Size Harvest: About 50 days under suitable conditions
• Baby Leaf Harvest: About 20–21 days

Growing Overview

White Russian is a cool-season kale that performs particularly well in spring and fall. Start seeds indoors about 3–4 weeks before transplanting for an early crop, or direct sow outdoors during suitable cool weather.

Sow approximately 1/4 inch deep and maintain consistent moisture during germination. Under favorable conditions, seeds commonly emerge in about 3–10 days.

Thin plants to approximately 8–12 inches apart. Gardeners growing especially large mature plants can provide additional spacing for better airflow and leaf development.

Cold-Weather Performance

White Russian was selected for excellent cold tolerance. Cool weather and frost can improve the sweetness and eating quality of kale leaves.

Breeder-related sources report mature plants hardy to approximately USDA Zone 4 under suitable conditions. Winter survival still varies with plant maturity, snow cover, soil drainage, wind exposure, and local weather.

Harvest & Enjoy

Young leaves can be harvested early for tender baby greens. For full-size leaves, expect approximately 50 days under suitable growing conditions.

Harvest mature outer leaves first while leaving the central growing point intact. This cut-and-come-again approach allows plants to continue developing new foliage.

Young leaves are tender enough for fresh salads, while larger leaves work well in sautés, soups, stews, casseroles, kale chips, and other cooked vegetable dishes.

What to Expect

White Russian develops moderately serrated blue-green foliage with distinctive pale white ribs and stems. Final plant size, maturity timing, and leaf production vary with temperature, fertility, spacing, moisture, and local growing conditions.

Although kale tolerates cold very well, prolonged summer heat can reduce leaf quality and encourage bolting. In warmer regions, concentrate production in fall, winter, and early spring when local conditions permit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is White Russian Kale the same as Red Russian Kale?

No. White Russian was developed from Russian/Siberian kale breeding material and resembles Red Russian in leaf shape, but it is distinguished by its prominent white stems and veins.

How long does White Russian Kale take to mature?

The variety is commonly listed at about 50 days to full-size harvest under suitable conditions. Young leaves can be harvested earlier for baby greens.

Does White Russian Kale tolerate frost?

Yes. Cold tolerance is one of the variety's defining characteristics, and cool weather or light frost can improve leaf sweetness.

Can White Russian Kale grow in containers?

Yes. Use a sufficiently large container with good drainage, fertile potting mix, and regular moisture. Containers may require more frequent watering than garden soil.

Is White Russian an heirloom?

White Russian is a modern open-pollinated variety developed by plant breeder Frank Morton and introduced by Wild Garden Seed in the 1990s. Because “heirloom” has varying commercial definitions, we describe this variety specifically as open-pollinated rather than relying on the heirloom label.