Kale Red Russian

(Lycopersicon esculentum )

A popular crimson red medium tomato with great taste that tolerates low night temperatures, so it is ideal for cooler area. A Russian heirloom that is an early producer. A tough and vigorous producer that needs staking.

An attractive cultivar medium sized, scarlet red fruit that is full of flavour. Tolerant of cool night temperatures and ideal for cool climate gardens

Flavours/Food Partners

A rich flavored tomato that partners well with Latin herbs like garlic, oregano, marjoram, rosemary and thyme. Use with any good salad vegetable, Nasturtium flowers and mixed fresh herbs to make an attractive and tasty salad.

Health/Cooking/Medicinal

Like all tomatoes, Red Russian is high in the cancer fighting agent, Lycopene and also Vitamin C. For a classic rich sauce cook and mix with garlic, marjoram, sweet basil, diced shallots, and fresh pizza thyme. Finely dice, mix finely chopped shallots, fresh pesto basil and extra virgin olive oil and place on lightly toasted Turkish bread then top with an anchovie for a special homemade bruschetta.

Landscaping/Planting

Plant in an airy, sunny position in well drained soil or very large pots. Requires a 1.1 to 1.4 m stake.

Cultivation/Fertiliser

Like all tomatoes it must receive a deep soaking when almost dry and should not receive overhead watering. Feed regularly with Seasol and Powerfeed. A small amount of dolomite lime after planting will make stronger plants. Remove side shoots and develop two or three main leaders. Harvest when fruit is full color

Herb Attributes

Position Full Sun
Height 1.2m
Width 50cm
Categories: ,

Description

(Brassica oleracea ‘Acephala Group Red Russian’)

A large growing annual with attractive, red purple leaves.

Flavours/Food Partners

Cress, Endive, Mizuna, Mustard Greens, Lettuce and Salad Burnett. Use young leaves with general salads and older leaves with soups, casseroles and on their own.

Health/Cooking/Medicinal

Most varieties of Kale are sweet tasting leafy vegetables that are high in vitamins C and K, antioxidants and betacarotene. All parts of the plant are edible and the more it is picked the more it will produce. Remove flower stems to increase harvest time. For maximum health benefits do not over cook the leaves. They make a great side dish tossed in the wok with some garlic, Thai Basil and soy sauce. Also good for making a healthy smoothie to start the day.

Landscaping/Planting

Prefers moist but well drained soil in a part to full sun position.

Cultivation/Fertiliser

Fertilise with Seasol and Powerfeed in spring, summer and autumn.

Herb Attributes

Position PART TO FULL SUN, MODERATE FROST
Height 75CM
Width 50CM

Related products