Kale - Shetland Kail *NEW 2024/25*

Conservation variety Brassica oleracea - Approximately 150 seeds.

A Scottish heritage landrace grown on the Shetland Islands since at least the  17^th Century.  Traditionally grown in stone enclosures known as a 'Crö', these wonderfully diverse plants have become well adapted to the harsh growing conditions in Shetland, being able to withstand strong gales and salt sprays, there is also evidence to suggest club root resistance. 

Also known as Shetland Cabbage, many plants will grow heads known as 'hearts' which are eaten by crofters, the outer leaves being used mainly for livestock fodder. A beautifully diverse crop which is an integral part of the farming history of the Shetland Islands illustrated in the famous poem by Basil R. Anderson, 'Auld Maunsie's Crö'

Excerpt from 'Auld Maunsie's Crö':

Oot-ower apon a weel-kent hill,
Whase watters rise ta grinnd a mill,
Auld Maunsie biggit him a crö,
Ta growe him kale for mutton brö, –
Fir Maunsie never tocht him hale,
Withoot sheeps’ shanks an cogs o kale.

The full poem can be found here.

These seeds have been grown on Shetland crofts by the 'Shetland Kale Growers Seed Network' and packed by the 'Northmavine Community Development Company' based on the Shetland Islands.

A Shetland-based knitwear company has created a knitting pattern inspired by the Shetland kale called the 'Kaleyard Beanie’ which also features on the seed envelope, you can find the pattern here.

Growing Info

Traditionally sown in Shetland in late summer, overwintered outside and planted out the next spring.

For spring sowing: sow late winter/early spring under protection and plant out when large enough.  Allow 45 to 60cm between plants. Harvest leaves throughout autumn and winter, and flower stems and heads the following spring.