Not all kale is the same. From the vibrant Scarlet to the beginner-friendly Vates Blue Scotch, find out which kale variety suits your goals—whether for selling, cooking, or quick harvest.
Scarlet Kale
Scarlet Kale stands out immediately because of its deep red-purple color and curly leaves. It’s one of the most visually attractive varieties, which makes it easier to sell, especially for customers who care about presentation. In my experience, it grows well but prefers slightly cooler or shaded conditions compared to others. If you’re planning to sell or want something that looks premium, this is a strong choice.
👉 Best for: Selling, premium look, salad mixes
Lacinato Kale
Lacinato Kale, also known as “Dinosaur Kale,” has long, dark green leaves with a textured surface. It feels more like a “professional” vegetable—commonly used in cooking and restaurants. From testing, it grows steadily and handles heat better than expected, as long as airflow is good. It may not look as fancy as Scarlet, but it’s very practical and reliable.
👉 Best for: Cooking, consistent growth, serious growers
Vates Blue Scotch Kale
Vates Blue Scotch is the classic curly green kale and probably the easiest one to start with. It adapts well, grows relatively fast, and is more forgiving for beginners. If you’re unsure which variety to choose, this is the safest option. It may not be the most unique visually, but it’s dependable and beginner-friendly.
👉 Best for: First-time growers, easy success, stable results
Red Russian Kale
Red Russian Kale has softer, flat leaves with purple veins, giving it a more delicate and unique appearance. What I noticed is that it grows quite fast and is very suitable for baby leaf harvest or microgreens. The taste is also milder compared to curly kale, which makes it popular for fresh eating.
👉 Best for: Microgreens, fast harvest, beginner-friendly taste
So... Which One Should You Start With?
If you want something safe and easy → go for Vates Blue Scotch
If you want something beautiful to sell → choose Scarlet Kale
If you want cooking quality → pick Lacinato
If you want fast and flexible harvest → try Red Russian
Ready to Start Growing?
All these varieties are suitable for Thailand if you manage heat properly and follow basic care. If you’re just starting your planting journey or looking to turn this into a small side income, kale is one of the best crops to begin with.
👉 Choose your variety and start with high-quality seeds
👉 Keep it simple, and you’ll see results quickly
🌱 Start small today—and grow from there