Kale Yurok F1 Seeds | Cavolo Nero Type | Fosters Seeds

Kale Yurok F1 is an exceptional modern hybrid that combines the rich flavour of traditional Cavolo Nero with improved uniformity, vigour and garden performance. This compact variety produces attractive rosettes of heavily crinkled, dark blue-green leaves that remain fresh and productive over a remarkably long harvesting season. Its excellent reliability and outstanding quality have earned it the prestigious RHS Award of Garden Merit, making it one of the finest kale varieties available for home gardeners.

Unlike taller kale varieties, Yurok F1 develops a more compact habit, making it particularly suitable for smaller vegetable gardens, raised beds and allotments where space is at a premium. The richly coloured leaves have an excellent texture and deep, savoury flavour that becomes noticeably sweeter after exposure to frost. Harvest young leaves for fresh salads and baby leaf crops, or allow them to mature for steaming, stir-fries, soups, casseroles and nutritious smoothies. One of the variety’s greatest strengths is that the leaves remain green without yellowing, allowing continuous harvesting from the lower part of the plant while fresh growth develops above. It also offers improved resistance to mildew compared with many traditional kale varieties, helping maintain healthy crops throughout the season.

Sowing & Propagation

Sow seeds from April to June in modules, seed trays or a prepared seedbed using a quality seed compost. Sow approximately 1.5 cm deep and keep the compost evenly moist until germination, which usually takes 7 to 14 days.

Once seedlings have developed four to six true leaves, harden them off before transplanting into their final growing position. Space plants 50 to 60 cm apart with 60 cm between rows to allow good airflow and strong development.

Growing On

Grow in fertile, moisture-retentive, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Incorporate well-rotted compost or organic matter before planting and water regularly during prolonged dry periods. 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. Pick leaves regularly from the bottom of the plant upwards, leaving the growing point intact to encourage continuous production. Thanks to its compact habit and improved mildew resistance, Yurok F1 remains attractive and productive well into winter.

Harvesting

Harvest from September through February, removing individual leaves as required. The leaves develop an even sweeter flavour after frosts and maintain their excellent texture throughout the winter. Regular harvesting encourages fresh growth and ensures a continuous supply of nutritious greens over many months.

Key Features

• Premium F1 hybrid
• RHS Award of Garden Merit
• Compact Cavolo Nero type
• Dark blue-green, heavily crinkled leaves
• Excellent flavour and texture
• Sweeter after frost
• Leaves remain green without yellowing
• Improved mildew resistance
• Harvest from September to February
• Ideal for UK gardens, raised beds and allotments

Kale Yurok F1 is an outstanding choice for gardeners looking for a compact, highly productive winter kale with excellent flavour. Its richly coloured foliage, improved disease resistance and long harvesting season make it an invaluable addition to the vegetable garden, providing delicious, nutritious leaves well into the colder months.