Red

Start indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost, plant out 2 weeks before frost. For fall harvest, transplant 9 weeks before first frost, without additional protection. In a hoophouse, you can plant 2-3 weeks later. Direct sow in spring when soil temperature is at least 50˚F. prefers cool weather, will tolerate some heat. Thinnings can be eaten as baby greens. Water freely during the season. Harvest leaves by snapping them off close to the ground from several plants rather than stripping one. If there are more leaves than you can use, it is best to pick them to reduce disease and encourage a new steady supply of young leaves. Soil pH 6.1-7.8. Hardiness zones 5. Biennial.

Days from maturity calculated from the date of seeding. Average 2,800 seeds per ounce. Federal germination standard: 65%. Usual seed life: 6 years. Isolation distance for seed saving: 5 miles.

Planting Depth 1/2”
Soil Temp. Germ. 50-75˚F
Days to Germ. 5-14
Plant Spacing 10-18”
Row Spacing 18-24”
Days To Maturity 50-60
Full Sun, Moist Well Drained