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Brassica napus (Pabularia Group) has some common insect problems:
Aphids Found on Flowers and Foliage
Insect and Related Pests of Vegetables
Pests of Crucifers
Brassica napus (Pabularia Group) has some common disease problems:
Weed Management in Collards, Kale, Mustard, and Turnip Greens

Red Russian Kale Brassica napus (Pabularia Group)

Other Common Name(s):

Phonetic Spelling
BRAS-sick-ah NAY-pus pa-byou-LAH-ree-ah Group
Description

Brassica napus (Pabularia Group) is commonly called Siberian kale for a good reason, as it is a cold weather vegetable.  They are winter hardy to 10 degrees.  The genus name Brassica is Latin for cabbage.

Although it can be grown in different soil types, this variety of kale grows best in well composted loams that are organically rich.  Constant moisture is a must, but good drainage should be provided.  It will tolerate some shade, but full sun is best.  If grown from seed for a spring harvest period, seed can be sown indoors and then placed in the garden weeks prior to the last frost.  A fall harvest will yield the best results.  Seed sown by early August will be ready for harvest in the fall.  Where the winters are mild, the seed can be sown about 6 weeks before the expected first frost.  They will overwinter as biennials.  Provide mulch for protection from the cold temperatures.  

Differing from other varieties of kale, Siberian kale is more tender and has a milder taste.  It is also more resistant to insects and diseases as well as be more winter hardy.  The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked.  An oil is extracted from the seed that is used for cooking purposes or on salads.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Diseases affecting this plant include club root, leaf spot, and black rot.  Insect problems include flea beetles, aphids, whitefly, root maggots and fungus gnats.  

See this plant in the following landscape:
Vegetable Garden with Pollinator Plants in Mt. Pleasant
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#edible plant#showy leaves#winter interest#vegetable garden#frost tolerant#vegetable#winter hardy#winter garden#sweet taste#heat intolerant#winter annual
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#edible plant#showy leaves#winter interest#vegetable garden#frost tolerant#vegetable#winter hardy#winter garden#sweet taste#heat intolerant#winter annual
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Brassica
    Species:
    napus
    Family:
    Brassicaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Annual
    Biennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Seed
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Northern Asia and northern Europe
    Wildlife Value:
    Bees frequent this plant.
    Play Value:
    Attracts Pollinators
    Easy to Grow
    Edibility:
    The leaves of this plant are edible.
    Dimensions:
    Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.
    Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Annual
    Vegetable
    Habit/Form:
    Clumping
    Mounding
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Soil Texture:
    Loam (Silt)
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Available Space To Plant:
    12 inches-3 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Type:
    Siliqua
    Fruit Description:
    The seeds develop in sickle shaped pods. The fruit dries and splits when ripe.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Cross
    Flower Petals:
    4-5 petals/rays
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    Not grown for it flowers, they are somewhat insignificant.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Blue
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Smooth
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Edible
    Showy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Auriculate
    Cuneate
    Leaf Margin:
    Lobed
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    > 6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Attractive blue/green foliage.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Pond
    Landscape Theme:
    Edible Garden
    Pollinator Garden
    Winter Garden
    Design Feature:
    Mass Planting
    Attracts:
    Bees