I am thinking about ordering the following from Pinetree Seeds. I do not have any experience in growing these, but would like something that is high in nutrition. Here is the list: Please let me know if you have grown any of theses and your like or dislike. Thanks
Bayam Green
Okahijiki (salt wort) Chickory/Radicchio
fanstsia orange chard Nero di toscona kale
Kia Lan Queen Kale
Goldgelber purslane
Red Gruner purslane
Lolla Rossa
Rose Orach
Mache
Sorrel
Nero di toscona kale also goes by these other names: Cavolo Nero, Dino or Dinosaure kale, Tuscan Kale, Palm Tree Cabbage or Kale, Black Cabbage, Lacinato Kale. i know it most commonly as Dinosaur Kale and Lacinato Kale. Folks here grow it as a perennial, some plants are 2 years old!
Always thought Kale was kind of tough and leathery but a friend just attended a vegan cooking class where a dish called 'Massaged Kale Salad' was prepared. She assures me it was tender and delicious sans cooking. i just purchased seeds yesterday and will be planting some soon.
i placed a small order with PineTree a few weeks ago and was looking at the orange chard, very pretty! Ended up getting the usual 'Bright Lights' mix. i prefer a smooth leaved chard and Bright Lights comes the closest.
In 9a you might get weather chilly enough to grow Mache or Corn Salad. i haven't been able to get it to sprout, suspect my soil temps might be too warm.
A little off topic but want to add that i included something called Tronchuda Cabbage in my order. i think it might be the Portugese Cabbage that can still be found growing in some older neighborhoods. i am looking forward to comparing it with Kojisan 'Senposai' (an open leaved cabbage/komatsuna cross) from Evergreen Seeds.
i enjoy supporting PineTree. They offer a nice selection of old standbys as well as a few more obsure, interesting varieties at good prices.
