Vates Blue Scotch Curled Kale is a variety known for its finely curled, blue-green leaves. This kale is compact, making it not only edible but also ornamental in gardens. It's favored for its nutritional content and the sweet, nutty flavor of its leaves, which are tender especially after a frost. This variety thrives in both cold and hot conditions, showing resilience against bolting and yellowing.
The history and origin of Vates Blue Scotch Curled Kale trace back to ancient Scottish and Irish civilizations, where it was cherished as a culinary delicacy. Developed from selections like 'Dwarf Green Curled,' it was introduced as 'Vates Dwarf Blue Curled Scotch' around 1950. Its cultivation has been noted in historical gardens like Thomas Jefferson's Monticello from 1777, indicating its longstanding presence in North America, though its roots are deeply embedded in European, particularly Scottish, gardening traditions.