{"product_id":"purple-soft-leaf-kale","title":"Purple Soft Leaf Kale","description":"\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"1000\" data-start=\"482\"\u003ePurple Soft Leaf Kale is a Metchosin Farm original—developed over many years from crosses between several favourite kale types. This unique variety features broad, deep green leaves with striking purple veins and a soft, tender texture. The flavour is mild and sweet, especially after frost, making it ideal for fresh eating, soups, sautés, and smoothies. A perfect addition to the year-round garden, this kale thrives in our coastal BC climate and is a standout for winter gardening.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"1254\" data-start=\"1002\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1047\" data-start=\"1002\"\u003eWhere Can You Grow Purple Soft Leaf Kale?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"1050\" data-start=\"1047\"\u003eBest grown in Zones 3–9, this kale thrives in full sun to partial shade and does well in both open garden beds and containers. It is well suited to cool-season growing and overwintering in milder regions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"1666\" data-start=\"1256\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1287\" data-start=\"1256\"\u003eHistory and Historical Uses\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"1290\" data-start=\"1287\"\u003eKale has long been a staple in cold-climate gardens, treasured for its cold-hardiness and exceptional nutritional content. This variety was bred and selected at Metchosin Farm for over a decade, combining the sweetness and winter tolerance of traditional types with soft, tender leaves. Kale has been used historically as a nutrient-rich green vegetable eaten fresh or cooked.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"1977\" data-start=\"1668\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1697\" data-start=\"1668\"\u003eCanadian Zone Information\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"1700\" data-start=\"1697\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1714\" data-start=\"1700\"\u003eZones 8-9:\u003c\/strong\u003e Direct sow in early spring or fall; can be harvested all winter.\u003cbr data-end=\"1782\" data-start=\"1779\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1796\" data-start=\"1782\"\u003eZones 5-7:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sow outdoors in spring and late summer; provide protection for winter crops.\u003cbr data-end=\"1876\" data-start=\"1873\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1890\" data-start=\"1876\"\u003eZones 3-4:\u003c\/strong\u003e Start indoors and transplant after frost; consider row covers for late-season growing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"1977\" data-start=\"1668\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0570\/7841\/5473\/files\/Plant_Hardiness.png?v=1734491528\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"2372\" data-start=\"1979\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2028\" data-start=\"1979\"\u003eHow to Grow and Harvest Purple Soft Leaf Kale\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"2031\" data-start=\"2028\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2044\" data-start=\"2031\"\u003ePlanting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sow seeds 0.5cm (¼in) deep, spaced 30-45cm (12-18in) apart.\u003cbr data-end=\"2107\" data-start=\"2104\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2120\" data-start=\"2107\"\u003eWatering:\u003c\/strong\u003e Keep soil evenly moist, especially during dry spells.\u003cbr data-end=\"2177\" data-start=\"2174\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2192\" data-start=\"2177\"\u003eHarvesting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pick young leaves for salads or wait until after frost for sweetest flavour.\u003cbr data-end=\"2272\" data-start=\"2269\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2288\" data-start=\"2272\"\u003eMaintenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds; remove old leaves to encourage growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"2708\" data-start=\"2374\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2412\" data-start=\"2374\"\u003eSeed Saving Tips for Future Supply\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"2415\" data-start=\"2412\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2446\" data-start=\"2415\"\u003eAllow Plants to Overwinter:\u003c\/strong\u003e Kale flowers in its second year.\u003cbr data-end=\"2482\" data-start=\"2479\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2507\" data-start=\"2482\"\u003eCollect Mature Seeds:\u003c\/strong\u003e Harvest seed pods when dry and brittle.\u003cbr data-end=\"2550\" data-start=\"2547\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2568\" data-start=\"2550\"\u003eDry and Store:\u003c\/strong\u003e Remove seeds from pods and store in a cool, dark, dry location.\u003cbr data-end=\"2635\" data-start=\"2632\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2649\" data-start=\"2635\"\u003eLongevity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Seeds remain viable for 4-5 years under proper conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"2789\" data-start=\"2710\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2734\" data-start=\"2710\"\u003eCertified Organic By\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"2737\" data-start=\"2734\"\u003e\u003cem data-end=\"2789\" data-start=\"2737\"\u003eIslands Organics Producers Association (Cert#1962)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Metchosin Farm","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48811205329138,"sku":"MF-GREENS-020","price":4.76,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0698\/4106\/0082\/files\/Purple-Soft-Leaf-Kale-2_e89b4771-d918-4acd-81ae-b5e8e9c3b35c.jpg?v=1772481925","url":"https:\/\/homeandwell.ca\/products\/purple-soft-leaf-kale","provider":"Home \u0026 Well ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}