True Siberian

Family: Brassicaceae Vegetable

Feel the cool, crisp snap of True Siberian kale as its leaves mature into deep, blue-green rosettes with a satiny, slightly crinkled texture.

Flavor is sweetly vegetal with a gentle, nutty edge that becomes especially inviting as the weather turns—ideal for gardeners who love dependable greens from the first harvest onward. Grow True Siberian for hearty bunches that shine in fresh salads, steam-and-simmer dishes, and robust sauces, and for pickling-ready leaves when you want tangy depth.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 55 DaysHabit: Rosette

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 28th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 18th
Harvest Begins	Jun 12th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	55
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	40
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	28
Harden Off (days)	6

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

True Siberian kale eats like a cool-weather green that keeps its structure—sweet and nutty rather than bitter—so it holds up to steam without collapsing. It loves bright acid (lemon or rice vinegar) and salty fat (olive oil, Parmesan) to bring the leaves into sharp, satisfying focus.

Best Uses

quick-dressed massaged kale salad where it stays snappy
steam-and-simmer side that turns mellow without going mushy
tangy, pickling-style chopped kale for bold bite
blend into a thick, briny kale-forward sauce or pesto-style purée

Flavor Profile

sweetly vegetal gentle nutty edge cool, crisp snap satiny, slightly crinkled chew

Kitchen Pairings

lemon olive oil Parmesan white beans smoked meats rice vinegar

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Brassica oleracea (True Siberian/Improved Dwarf Siberian), and how do I treat it?

Watch for cabbage worms (green caterpillars) and aphids, which commonly chew or suck on Brassica leaves. Hand-pick caterpillars early, then spray affected foliage with an organic Bt product for caterpillars or insecticidal soap for aphids, repeating every 5–7 days as needed. Also keep plants evenly spaced for airflow and remove yellowing or spotted leaves promptly to reduce fungal leaf-spot risk.

How often should I water Brassica oleracea during the main growing phase?

During active leaf growth (from about week 2 until harvest), keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged—aim for roughly 1 inch of water per week, adjusted for rainfall and heat. Water deeply whenever the top 1 inch of soil starts to feel dry, especially in full sun where these brassicas can dry out quickly. Mulch can help stabilize moisture, but avoid watering so late in the day that leaves stay wet overnight.

How can I tell when Brassica oleracea (True Siberian, ~55 days) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when heads (if forming) are firm or when leaf size reaches full, usable proportions and outer leaves are thick and crisp. For leaf-harvesting types within Brassica oleracea, start picking outer leaves once they’re fully developed—usually around 50–60 days—leaving the center to continue growing. Avoid waiting until leaves become overly tough or start yellowing heavily, as quality drops quickly in warm weather.