Kale - Sutherland *NEW 2024/25*

Brassica napus - approximately 150 seeds.

Sutherland Kale or "Càil Cataibh" in Gaelic, is, as the name suggests, kale from Sutherland in the North of Scotland.  This versatile and hardy plant produces plenty of tender flat leaves as well as delicious shoots during the "hungry gap." It thrives in windy, wet, and cold winter weather.  We are proud to offer this seed, grown close to its original home.

Sutherland Kale is a particularly special variety, as it was gifted to Real Seeds in Wales in 2003 after coming close to disappearing entirely.  The seeds were shared with Real Seeds by Vicky Schilling of Ullapool, who had received them from a crofter, Elizabeth Woolcombe.  Elizabeth had been growing this kale in the north of Scotland for many years.  Originally, the seeds came from a researcher, Angus Simmonds of Edinburgh University, who studied kale varieties over 50 years ago.

Thanks to Angus, Elizabeth, Vicky, and the incredible team at Real Seeds, we are now able to include this unique variety in our catalogue.

Growing Info

Sow from March to July. Transplant 3-4 weeks later. Sutherland kale grows well overwinter without protection and survives best when sown in June or early July.

Tip: Spring shoots can be used as a substitute for sprouting broccoli.