Colewort (Crambe cordifolia), packet of 10 seeds, organic

Family:  Brassica (Brassicaceae)

Hardy to  Zones 5 to 9

(Flowering Sea Kale, Heart-leaved Colewort, Greater Sea Kale) Herbaceous perennial flowering white to a height of 5 feet, native to Caucasia.  Leaves arising from the established crown in the early spring are crinkled, reddish, tender and delicious when braised or added to stir-fries and soups.  The texture is rough when raw, and when heated it loses this roughness, becomes meaty and firm, with excellent flavor that includes a hint of lemon.  If left unharvested, the leaves soon increase magnificently, by midsummer giving rise to a giant, branched plume composed of small, white, fragrant flowers. Attracts and feeds bees, butterflies and other beneficials. The plant prefers full sun to part shade and does best in deep, rich soils.  In the spring garden, or anytime in the greenhouse, crack the corky covering* to the seed and sow as you would any cabbage or kale.  Space plants 3 feet apart.

*There are different ways to accomplish this.  My favorite method is to put the seeds between two boards and apply slight pressure and rotation.  Since the seeds vary significantly in size, it is best to proceed gently so as not to damage them.

10 seeds/pkt, certified organically grown