Redbor kale isn’t your garden-variety green. With frilly, deep-purple leaves that hold their color through frost, it earns a spot in the ornamental border as easily as the vegetable bed. The challenge? Finding seed that delivers that signature color and texture without disappointing germination rates or off-type plants.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. I’ve spent countless hours combing through seed specs, comparing heirloom lineage, analyzing bulk seed counts versus germination percentages, and reading thousands of verified owner reports to separate the truly vibrant Redbor from mislabeled impostors.
Whether you want microgreens in a week or fully mature plants for fall harvests, this guide pinpoints the packs that actually deliver the color and cold-hardiness Redbor is famous for. Scroll down for a complete breakdown of the best redbor kale seeds on the market today.
How To Choose The Best Redbor Kale Seeds
Picking the right Redbor kale seed boils down to three factors: seed volume for your intended scale, germination rate consistency, and whether the variety’s genetics hold true to the deep burgundy color that defines Redbor. Below are the key specs to vet before you click add to cart.
Seed Weight and Scale of Planting
Redbor seeds are tiny, and a standard packet often holds 100-200 seeds. For microgreen growers or market gardeners, a 1-pound bag (averaging 70,000 to 100,000 seeds) is the practical starting point. Bulk bags also give you margin to sow heavily if germination is imperfect, whereas small packets leave you gambling on every seed.
Germination Rate Claims vs. Reality
Most reputable brands advertise 85-95% germination, but verified reviews often reveal a gap. Look for keyword mentions of “sprouted within 3 days”, “full tray”, or “almost all grew” in recent feedback. Low-cost bulk bags can skimp on quality control, so prioritize packs with multiple recent 4-5 star reviews that specifically mention germination success.
Heirloom Status and Color Retention
True Redbor is a hybrid, though many sellers list seeds as “Red Russian” or “Redbor-type” under an heirloom label. Heirloom Red Russian varieties have a similar purple blush but lack the intense, all-over burgundy color and the extra-crinkly leaf texture of hybrid Redbor. If you want that dramatic visual punch and consistent frill, confirm the listing explicitly says “Redbor” and check the photos for that dark maroon hue.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Todd’s Seeds Red Russian Kale | Bulk Heirloom | High-volume garden & microgreens | 1 lb bag, ~70,000 seeds | Amazon |
| Rainbow Heirloom Kale Trio Mix | Variety Mix | Sprouting & flavor exploration | 3 varieties, 1 lb resealable | Amazon |
| Food to Live Kale Seeds | Premium Sprouting | Kosher kitchen sprouting | 18 oz resealable, non-irradiated | Amazon |
| Seed Kingdom Red Russian Kale | Value Pack | Continuous harvests all season | 1 lb heirloom, 55 days to harvest | Amazon |
| Mountain Valley Portuguese Kale | Cold Champion | Winter-hardy outdoor growing | 1 lb, ~128,000 seeds, 85 days | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Todd’s Seeds Red Russian Kale Seed – 1 Pound
Todd’s Seeds delivers a full pound of Red Russian kale seed, which translates to roughly 70,000 seeds per bag. The heirloom genetics are confirmed by the purple stems and gray-green tooth-edged leaves, and the pack is tested for pathogens a detail commercial growers appreciate. Multiple verified sprouting successes in the reviews reinforce the claim of high germination consistency.
The seeds produce well in both garden beds and indoor hydroponic setups, with year-round blooming potential when temperatures stay above freezing. Vitamin content A, C, E and sulforaphane compounds mirror those of broccoli, making this bulk purchase nutrient dense as well as cost effective. Growers who broadcast spread reported hundreds of volunteers, which speaks to the viability density.
Not every seed sprouted: a minor portion of feedback flagged uneven germination, which happens with any mass-packed seed lot. The three-star review specifically noted that some seeds failed to grow, so buyers with very small spaces may want to test a subset first. For medium to large gardens or microgreen batches, the overwhelming majority saw excellent results.
What works
- Massive yield at roughly 70,000 seeds per pound
- Heirloom genetics keep true to purple-stemmed Red Russian type
- Pathogen-tested for safer indoor sprouting
What doesn’t
- Minor germination inconsistency reported by some users
- Labeled as Red Russian, not exact hybrid Redbor
2. Kale Trio Sprouting & Microgreen Mix — Rainbow Heirloom Seed Co.
The Rainbow Heirloom Seed Co. Trio Mix bundles three distinct kale varieties Blue Curled Scotch, Premier, and Red Russian in a single 1-pound resealable bag. This isn’t a pure Redbor line, but the Red Russian component delivers the same purple stems and frilly leaf edges Redbor fans love. The mix is aimed squarely at sprouters and microgreen growers: the three varieties mature slightly differently, giving texture contrast.
Germination feedback is consistently high across the board, with multiple users reporting 100% sprout rates in mason jars. One reviewer detailed a specific protocol 3 tablespoons in a quart jar, soak overnight, rinse and drain twice daily, harvest day 6 which fits the microgreen crowd perfectly. The resealable zip bag keeps unused seeds viable for repeat batches over weeks.
Shipping mishaps have happened: one bag arrived with a hole, spilling seeds. The brand stepped in to help, demonstrating decent customer service. Also, the first few days of sprouting require darkness between rinses; without that step, mold can develop. Follow the method and you’ll get three quarters of a jar full of delicious, non-bland greens ideal for tacos and salads.
What works
- Three heirloom varieties in one bulk bag for texture contrast
- Excellent sprouting yields when following jar protocol
- Resealable packaging protects long-term storage
What doesn’t
- Not a single-variety Redbor seed
- Requires dark-phase rinsing for first 4 days to avoid mold
3. Food to Live Kale Seeds — 1 Pound
Food to Live positions its kale seeds as a premium kitchen sprouting ingredient with three distinct selling points: non-irradiated processing, Kosher certification, and a resealable airtight bag. The 18-ounce net weight falls just shy of a full pound but still provides enough volume for weeks of continuous sprouting. The USDA Hardiness Zone 3 rating means these genes can survive very cold conditions after transplanting, an edge over many sprouting-only seeds.
Germination reviews are generally positive, with several buyers confirming good sprouting rates. The product is genuinely versatile you can grow it to full leaf for smoothies and stews, or harvest early as microgreens. The brand’s focus on chemical-free growing is a plus for anyone avoiding irradiated foods or looking for organic-compatible inputs for their kitchen garden.
Some sprouters found the seeds “fiddley” and reported mold developing before harvest, especially in humid conditions. Over-watering contributed to bug formation in at least one case. These issues are not unique to Food to Live, but sprouters new to kale specifically may need to dial in their rinse schedule and airflow to get consistent mold-free results.
What works
- Kosher certified and non-irradiated for clean kitchen sprouting
- Resealable airtight bag extends shelf life across multiple uses
- Cold-hardy genetics (Zone 3) support outdoor transplanting
What doesn’t
- Mold development reported among less experienced sprouters
- Slightly smaller net weight at 18 oz rather than full pound
4. Seed Kingdom Red Russian Kale BULK 1 Lb
Seed Kingdom’s Red Russian kale is a straight heirloom line that matures in about 55 days, hitting an early fall harvest slot that Redbor fans appreciate. The oak-shaped leaves carry a red tinge and purplish-red stems, and the plant produces continuously through the season if you pick outer leaves. The winter blooming period specification suggests decent bolt resistance in cooler conditions.
Germination is a strong point: one reviewer germinated roughly 100 seeds in three days and was still eating microgreens weeks later. Another gave high marks for taste, preferring the leaves to lettuce in salads. The bulk 1-pound format gives you room to experiment with spacing, and at roughly 90% reported germination, you’ll get a thick stand from a modest sowing.
There’s a catch: at least one buyer felt the pack contained fewer seeds than expected relative to other 1-pound bags. Kale seeds are tiny, so visual volume can be misleading, but if you’re expecting the extreme seed counts of some competitors, you might perceive this bag as light. Also, the product photo is minimal, but the actual seed quality appears consistent with heirloom standards.
What works
- Proven 90%+ germination rate from verified buyers
- Early 55-day maturity for quick fall rotation
- Continuous harvest from cut-and-come-again growth habit
What doesn’t
- Some users feel seed volume is lower than expected
- Minimal product photography and packaging info
5. Mountain Valley Seed Company Portuguese Kale Seeds
Mountain Valley Seed Company’s Portuguese kale is a distinct variety that differs from standard Redbor but shares key cold-hardy traits. With an estimated 128,000 seeds per pound and 85-day maturity, this is built for growers who want a winter-hardy annual that keeps producing when frost shuts down other brassicas. The foil-lined packet protects seeds from moisture and light during storage.
Multiple verified reviewers confirmed perfect 100% sprouting success in indoor tests, and outdoor users noted that Portuguese kale plants continued growing through cold conditions longer than most varieties. The non-GMO, heirloom, open-pollinated genetics mean you can save seed from year to year. The brand provides clear planting instructions on the packet, which helps beginners get the spacing right.
One significant negative review reported zero germination, and the complaint was strong enough to warrant caution. Seed quality can vary by lot, and while most buyers had great results, the outlier suggests batch inconsistency. Also, the 85-day maturity is significantly longer than standard Redbor (55 days), so this variety isn’t ideal if you need a quick microgreen or early fall harvest.
What works
- Extremely high seed count (~128,000) per pound
- Excellent cold tolerance outperforms many standard kales
- Foil-lined packet with clear instructions for proper planting
What doesn’t
- Single negative germination report suggests batch-level risk
- 85-day maturity is slower than typical Redbor types
Hardware & Specs Guide
Seed Count Per Pound
Kale seeds are extremely small: one pound typically contains between 70,000 and 128,000 seeds, depending on the variety and seed size. Portuguese kale (128,000 seeds/lb) offers the highest density, while standard Red Russian heirloom lines tend toward the 70,000-80,000 range. If you’re growing microgreens at scale, higher seed count directly translates to more trays per dollar.
Days to Maturity
Standard Redbor and Red Russian kale types mature in approximately 50-60 days from transplant. Portuguese kale requires a longer 85-day window to reach full maturity, which changes your garden planning if you need a quick rotation. Microgreen growers ignore this metric entirely since they harvest at 6-10 days regardless of the variety’s full maturity figure.
FAQ
Is Redbor kale the same as Red Russian kale?
Can I use these seeds for microgreens?
How long do Redbor kale seeds remain viable?
Why are some seeds not germinating in my tray?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most gardeners, the best redbor kale seeds winner is the Todd’s Seeds Red Russian Kale because it combines reliable heirloom genetics with a massive 1-pound volume at a very accessible entry point. If you want a curated variety mix for sprouting and texture contrast, grab the Rainbow Heirloom Kale Trio Mix. And for extreme cold tolerance and the highest seed count per pound, nothing beats the Mountain Valley Portuguese Kale.