'Dazzling Contralto' Kale

Brassica oleracea

Origin: Oregon

Improvement status: Breeding population

Seeds per packet: ~50

Germination tested 11/2024: 92%

Life cycle: Biennial

EFN EXCLUSIVE. The original 'Dazzling Blue' is a remarkable kale bred by Hank Keogh of Avoca Seed Farm in Oregon, who worked as a farmer for years with Frank Morton of Wild Garden Seeds and used some of Frank's work as the basis for continued breeding. 'Dazzling Blue' has taken the seed and culinary worlds by storm, increasingly showing up at markets around the country due to its striking appearance and wonderful flavor.

Now, meet Dazzling Blue's cousin, 'Dazzling Contralto', selected by Hank from "off-types" within the Dazzling Blue population. This lighter cousin of 'Dazzling Blue' has a true green leaf with no blush, resulting in higher contrast. Expect a range of leaf shapes around a theme of true green, adding loft to any salad. Hank regrets not taking a better photo of these, and insists the photo here does not do them justice.

This variety carries the Open Source Seed Initiative (OSSI) pledge, which states: “You have the freedom to use these OSSI-Pledged seeds in any way you choose. In return, you pledge not to restrict other's use of these seeds or their derivatives by patents or other means, and to include this pledge with any transfer of these seeds or their derivatives.” More information on OSSI can be found at osseeds.org.

NOTE: We also have 'Dazzling Blue', 'Dazzling Bass Note', 'Dazzling Contralto', and 'Dazzling Texture' available all together as a mix, which we are calling the 'Dazzling Symphony'!