Borecole Redbor F1 Seeds
Borecole Redbor F1 is one of the most striking kale varieties available, combining exceptional ornamental beauty with outstanding culinary quality. The tall, vigorous plants produce masses of finely curled leaves in rich burgundy-purple tones that deepen to an even more intense colour after exposure to frost. Winner of the prestigious RHS Award of Garden Merit, Redbor F1 is valued for its reliability, excellent flavour and ability to continue cropping throughout the coldest months of the year.
As temperatures fall, the leaves become noticeably sweeter, making them ideal for harvesting from autumn through to spring. The attractive foliage provides colour and structure in both vegetable plots and ornamental borders, proving that productive vegetables can also be highly decorative. Young leaves are perfect for salads, while mature foliage is excellent steamed, stir-fried, added to soups, casseroles or blended into healthy smoothies. The plants are extremely hardy, standing well through prolonged frosts while continuing to produce fresh leaves when many other crops have finished. Regular picking encourages continuous growth and extends the harvesting season for many months.
Sowing & Propagation
Sow seeds from April to June in modules, seed trays or a prepared seedbed using a quality seed compost. Sow seeds approximately 1.5 cm deep and keep the compost evenly moist until germination, which normally takes 7 to 14 daysunder suitable conditions.
When seedlings are about 15 cm tall, transplant into their final growing position, spacing plants 45 to 60 cm apart with 60 cm between rows. Harden off greenhouse-grown plants before planting outdoors.
Growing On
Grow in a sunny or lightly shaded position with fertile, moisture-retentive, well-drained soil enriched with well-rotted organic matter. Water regularly during dry spells and apply a nitrogen-rich fertiliser during active growth to encourage abundant leaf production.
Protect young plants from pigeons and cabbage white butterflies using insect-proof netting where necessary. Harvest leaves from the base of the plant upwards, allowing the growing point to continue producing fresh foliage throughout the season. After the main crown is harvested, plants often produce tender side shoots for an additional crop.
Harvesting
Harvest from September through April, picking individual leaves as required. Young leaves are ideal for salads and baby leaf production, while mature leaves develop a richer flavour for cooking. Frost enhances both the sweetness and the deep purple colour of the foliage, making winter harvests especially rewarding.
Key Features
- Premium F1 hybrid
- RHS Award of Garden Merit
- Deeply curled burgundy-purple leaves
- Colour intensifies after frost
- Sweetens during cold weather
- Extremely winter hardy
- Long harvesting season
- Excellent ornamental value
- Suitable for baby leaf or mature harvest
- Ideal for UK gardens and allotments
Borecole Redbor F1 is an outstanding kale for gardeners seeking beauty as well as productivity. Its richly coloured foliage, exceptional winter hardiness and delicious flavour make it one of the finest curly kale varieties available, providing months of fresh harvests while bringing dramatic colour to the vegetable garden.
40 seeds
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