Val Milne has asked me to post this item.
“I have quite a large quantity of Sutherland Kale seeds. The seeds have been produced from organically grown plants grown on my allotment. This is a heritage variety and quite difficult to source. As there is much more seed than I can possibly use I am keen to offer seed to anyone who wants it. I think it is important that great varieties like this continue to be grown – even if the big seed companies are not interested in it!
Please just come past plot 23 or email me – valmilne[at]yahoo.co.uk.
Here is some information about the variety. I have to say it is absolutely delicious and can be cooked like spinach. It is also very hardy.”
More info cut and pasted from The Real Seed Catalogue
“Back in 2003 we were sent a small sample of kale seed by Vicky Schilling, of Ullapool, with the following note attached:
“I am sending you some seed of Sutherland Kale given me by an 80yr old in Sutherland, its an old variety grown by the crofters. We grew it last season and its lovely, very tender green leaves on plants that grow waist high – need staking! Cooks just like spinach and lasts through the hungry gap.”
We tried it out and were really impressed. It is the most vigorous and resilient kale we have seen. It shrugged off attack by aphids, cabbage white caterpillars, ravenous goats, and 70 mph freezing sleet overwinter. In each case it sprang back, growing new leaves with no trouble, and forming large heads of Kale in spring when at its most valuable. And when it starts to bolt in spring, the flowering shoots are good to eat too, very much like sprouting broccoli shoots.
Sutherland grows as a Biennial and is a Vegetable. Being a Biennial, it tends to grow best over the course of two years. Sutherland is known for growing to a height of approximately 45.0 cm (1.46 feet).
Typically, Sutherland Kale is normally fairly low maintenance and can thus be quite easy to grow – only a basic level of care is required throughout the year to ensure it thrives. Being aware of the basic growing conditions this plant likes (soil, sun and water) will result in a strong and vibrant plant. ”
Regards, Val