Darkibor Kale Seeds

Days to Maturity: 60 from transplant

At last, a kale that can really stand up to heat without losing one jot of its rich flavor and deliciously crunchy, crinkly texture. Darkibor is the one that gardeners in mild-winter areas have been looking for. It's highly productive, easy to grow, and simply refuses to bolt or melt out in warm temperatures.

These extremely curly leaves are packed with great taste and even better nutrition. They make great kale chips, because they hold together to give you a good meaty bite, even when fried. If you prefer your greens more tender, harvest Darkibor anytime after it reaches about 6 inches high. Cut just the leaves you need; it will start growing new ones, and the remaining leaves will continue to grow to maturity.

Darkibor is easy to grow. Begin the seeds indoors, transplanting when they have at least 2 sets of true leaves. Space the plants 3 feet apart in sun-soaked, light soil. Frost only sweetens the flavor.

Or, if you wish to direct sow the seeds instead, wait until the soil can be worked in spring, then sow 3 to 4 seeds together, ½-inch deep. Thin to one plant per group. For baby greens, sow 60 seeds per foot.