Kale is a beautiful dark leafy green that is packed with nutrition and cancer fighting properties. High in manganese, as well as vitamins A, C and K, this vegetable is often referred to as a superfood. Gaining quickly in popularity for its ease to grow, hardiness and wonderful taste, this leafy green is becoming a staple in home gardens everywhere. And it can be one of the most delicious things you’ve ever tasted–check out the best kale recipes here, from Vibrant Wellness Journal.

For the sustainability-minded grower, kale is just one part of a bigger picture — many home gardeners are also exploring solar panels to power their homes and reduce energy bills, making their self-sufficiency journey even more complete.

There are now so many different kinds of kale that it is almost impossible to keep track of them all. This guide will give you a photo reference, as well as a little bit of information about some of the more popular cultivars. In most climates, different varieties will produce best when started indoors in mid winter, so that they can be transplanted outside in the early spring.

Curly Kale

One of the most common types found in domestic (read: American) grocery stores, Curly kale is sweet and mild.

Lacinato Kale (Dino Kale)

The second most likely type to be found in grocery stores, Lacinato (aka Dinosaur kale) has tall narrow leaves and a wrinkled texture; this variety will also continue to grow over the winter very well.

Premier Kale

“Premier” is a newer variety of this healthy vegetable that is prized for its early maturity and cold hardiness.

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Redbor Kale

A beautiful dark red-leafed variety, the Rebor type of this vegetable walks the line between a food crop and an ornamental plant.

Siberian Kale

One of the most cold hardy varieties available, Siberian has enormous leaves and can take quite a beating from cold or pests.

Walking Stick Kale

A particularly unusual variety, the Walking Stick variety can grow up to six feet tall if well fertilized and cared for. The stems can be dried, laminated and used as walking sticks.

Red Russian Kale

Similar to Siberian in its hardiness, Red Russian boasts beautiful red leaf stalks and tender twisting intricate leaves.

Kamome Red Kale

One of the many types of “flowering” kales, Kamome is an ornamental variety prized for its appearance. Although edible, these flowering greens are often more bitter tasting than other varieties.

Have more questions about kale varieties or instructions regarding how to best care for these plants? Please leave your query or comments below, and I’m sure that I, or some of your fellow readers will be able to answer them. Thanks!

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