The northern classic for tender greens. ‘Dwarf Siberian’ kale forms compact rosettes of soft, finely curled blue-green leaves with a mild, sweet flavor that intensifies after frost. The leaves stay tender even when mature, making them excellent for fresh or cooked use. Ideal for overwintering in mild regions or early-spring harvests elsewhere. About Dwarf Siberian Kale Dwarf Siberian Kale is a biennial selection of kale, with a rosette habit and an expected height or spread of 13–18 in. It is best suited to leaves or swollen stems, repeated harvest, cool weather, and seed saving. Notable traits include harvest outer leaves repeatedly or lift kohlrabi at the intended stem size; mild to robust brassica flavor that improves with careful timing. Choose Dwarf Siberian Kale when the garden plan calls for leaves or swollen stems, repeated harvest, cool weather, and seed saving and the listed rosette habit fits the available space. History and provenance Siberian and Russian kale types are often maintained within Brassica napus rather than Brassica oleracea. That species distinction affects crossing relationships and is more important for seed saving than a broad marketing label such as kale. Kale Seeds - Dwarf Siberian Kale belongs to a plant lineage long associated with Mediterranean and Old World garden agriculture. It was selected over generations for kitchen, market, ornamental, or herbal value and remains useful in modern home gardens. Originating from Russian heritage lines, this variety remains a dependable staple for cool-climate gardeners-hardy, flavorful, and quick to mature. Growing facts Scientific name Brassica napus L. Pabularia Group Life cycle Biennial Maturity 60-69 Days Germination 5-10 Days at 50–65 °F Seed depth 1/4 in Plant height / spread 13–18 in Growth habit Rosette Spacing 18 in between plants; 30 in between rows Sunlight Full sun Soil Loamy; pH 6.0–6.5 Water Moderate Support No-Support Starting Dwarf Siberian Kale from seed Sow 1/4 in deep and keep the seed zone evenly moist. Expect emergence in 5-10 Days when the seed-zone temperature is near 50–65 °F. Germination preparation: Start in clean seed-starting mix when season length requires it, then transplant at a sturdy but not root-bound stage. Light requirement: Cover evenly to 1/4 in. Soaking: None required. Stratification: None required. Scarification: None required. Planting and care Plant during spring/Fall and provide full sun. Space plants 18 in apart with 30 in between rows. Use loamy with a pH near 6.0–6.5, and follow a moderate watering plan. Support requirement: No-Support. Frost response: Semi-Hardy. Medium to large container or in-ground bed; avoid crowding Harvest and use Approximately 60-69 Days, from transplanting to the primary market harvest stage. Weather, soil temperature, and planting method can shift the actual harvest date. Harvest: Harvest outer leaves repeatedly or lift kohlrabi at the intended stem size. Uses: Leaves or swollen stems, repeated harvest, cool weather, and seed saving. Flavor: mild to robust brassica flavor that improves with careful timing. Seed saving: Insect-pollinated Brassica napus. Best uses include leaves or swollen stems, repeated harvest, cool weather, and seed saving. Flavor and eating quality: mild to robust brassica flavor that improves with careful timing. Saving seed Select several healthy, true-to-type Dwarf Siberian Kale plants that match the expected rosette habit and overall plant form. Avoid saving seed only from the earliest or largest individual unless that is your deliberate selection goal. Pollination system: Insect-pollinated Brassica napus. Compatible Brassica napus crops can cross. Separate compatible varieties that may flower together, or use cages, barriers, hand pollination, or another documented control appropriate to the crop. Dwarf Siberian Kale is a biennial. Seed production may require overwintering, vernalization, or more than one growing season, depending on climate and crop biology. Clean the seed carefully, dry it thoroughly away from direct heat, label the lot with variety and year, and store it cool, dark, and dry. Test germination before an important planting or distribution season. Common problems Common concerns: Flea beetles, imported cabbageworm, cabbage loopers, aphids, slugs, root maggots, and clubroot risk where the pathogen is present. Management: Use rotation, insect netting before pests arrive, regular leaf inspection, sanitation, and well-drained soil. Do not plant the same brassica family repeatedly in one bed. Diagnosis note: Similar symptoms can have different causes. Compare plants of the same age, record weather and irrigation, and use local Extension or diagnostic support before applying a control. Frequently asked questions Frequently Asked Questions - Dwarf Siberian Kale When is Dwarf Siberian Kale ready? Use 60-69 Days. Approximately 60-69 Days, from transplanting to the primary market harvest stage. Weather, soil temperature, and planting method can shift the actual harvest date. How long does germination take? Expect 5-10 Days at about 50–65 °F. Cooler, hotter, crusted, saturated, or dry seedbeds can slow emergence. How large does it grow? Expect about 13–18 in with a rosette habit. Space plants 18 in apart and rows 30 in apart. Support: No-Support. Can it grow in a container? Medium to large container or in-ground bed; avoid crowding Use a container with drainage and enough volume to maintain the listed spacing and steady moisture. Can I save seed? Insect-pollinated Brassica napus. Keep compatible varieties isolated and allow selected plants to reach full seed maturity.
