Organic ‘Westlandse Winter Kale’

Organic ‘Westlandse Winter Kale’ (Brassica oleracea) from Gaia seed company, a hardy winter variety with a mild flavor enhanced by frost

The ‘Westlandse Winter’ kale forms robust, upright plants characterized by tightly rolled, thick, and resilient blue-green leaves that withstand cold conditions remarkably well. The dense, textured foliage develops a mild, balanced, vegetal flavor that becomes noticeably sweeter after exposure to frost , enhancing its taste even in the depths of winter.

This open-pollinated variety, renowned for its exceptional hardiness and high yield , is particularly well-suited to overwintering in the garden . It allows for continuous harvests during the cold season, often from October to March , providing a reliable and nutritious leafy vegetable when few other crops are available.

Companion plants: Potato, Beetroot, Lettuce, Chard, Peas, Alliums, Radish, Spinach, Celery, Cucumber, Herbs
Negative plants: Tomato, Strawberry, Grape, Rue

Spread/Carry: Upright, compact
Plant height: 40 to 60 cm
Quantity per packet: 50 seeds
Certification: Certified organic
Special features: Hardy winter variety, open pollination, blue-green foliage, increased sweetness after frost, extended winter harvest

Leaf color: Blue-green
Texture/flavor: Thick, slightly curly leaves, mild flavor after frost
Cold tolerance: Down to -9.5 C

Farming method

Soak the seeds in lukewarm water for up to 12 hours to promote even germination. Sow directly outdoors as soon as the soil is workable, or start the seeds indoors 4 weeks before planting out . For a winter harvest, sow approximately 2 months before the first expected frost . Sow at a depth of 1.2 cm , spacing the plants 5 to 10 cm apart for young plants or 30 to 45 cm apart for mature plants, with rows 45 to 75 cm apart , in rich, well-drained soil .

Kale prefers partial sun/partial shade (level 2) and light watering (level 1) . Cool temperatures promote slow growth and better flavor.

Harvesting and preservation

Harvest the leaves as needed , starting with the outer leaves. The flavor becomes milder after a light frost . After harvesting, it is recommended to cool the leaves in water , then store them in the refrigerator for several weeks .

Usage ideas

Winter harvest in a four-season vegetable garden
Nourishing soups and broths
Stir-fries and stews
Leaves massaged into winter salads
Rustic and Nordic cuisine

The ‘Westlandse Winter Kale’ variety is distinguished by its remarkable resilience , productivity during the cold season , and natural sweetness after frost , providing a reliable and flavorful vegetable when the garden goes dormant. An essential variety for winter and self-sufficient vegetable gardens.