{"title":"Bitter Greens","description":"\u003cp\u003eBitter greens bring a wonderful depth of flavor to the garden and kitchen. From the pleasantly sharp bite of radicchio to the delicate bitterness of endive, escarole, and other traditional leafy greens, these vegetables offer a refreshing change from ordinary lettuce. Many develop their best flavor in cool weather, making them excellent choices for spring and fall gardens. Enjoy them fresh in salads, or try sautéing, roasting, or grilling to mellow their bitterness and bring out a delicious natural sweetness. Explore our collection of bitter greens and discover the rich flavors that have made these vegetables staples of Mediterranean cooking for generations.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"bright-lights","title":"Bright Lights Swiss Chard","description":"\u003cp\u003eOne of our must-grow varieties for the family garden, Bright Lights is a unique variety of chard that produces stems in a rainbow of colors including red, yellow, orange, pink and white. Compared to the standard Rainbow chard, this variety shows an improved range of colors and a higher proportion of striped stalks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBright Lights Swiss chard produces tender, deeply savoyed leaves that have excellent flavor and are perfect for both salads (baby leaves) and braising (full-size leaves).  An excellent choice for market growers as the bundled multicolored stems have eye-catching appeal.  Plants also have great cold tolerance and work well in tunnels and greenhouses.  60 days to harvest.  Approximately 100 seeds per packet.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Bright Lights","offers":[{"title":"Packet (100 Seeds)","offer_id":44070749274361,"sku":"CH-00-001","price":3.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0955\/4450\/files\/bright-lights-swiss-chard-seeds-39366178341113.jpg?v=1700324172"},{"product_id":"ruby","title":"Ruby Swiss Chard","description":"\u003cp\u003eRuby is an open-pollinated variety of Swiss chard that produces large, deeply savoyed leaves subtended by vibrant cherry red stems.  Of all the varieties we've tried, Ruby chard has the mildest flavor.  Excellent for fresh eating and juicing.  Yields through the heat of summer and tolerates the frosts and freezes of fall.  Approximately 60 days to harvest.  Each packet contains a minimum of 100 seeds.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ruby","offers":[{"title":"Packet (100 Seeds)","offer_id":44071992852729,"sku":"CH-00-003","price":3.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0955\/4450\/products\/ruby-swiss-chard-seeds-18137116639389.jpg?v=1700352788"},{"product_id":"perpetual-spinach-chard","title":"Perpetual Spinach Chard","description":"\u003cp\u003ePerpetual Spinach chard boasts spinach-like flavor, but with higher yield and better heat tolerance.  We love spinach but sometimes struggle to produce enough of it to suit our needs.  Perpetual Spinach Swiss chard has been the perfect substitute.  It has a mild flavor and an ultra-tender texture that makes it perfect for salads or wilting.  Yields through the heat of summer and tolerates the frosts and freezes of fall.  Approximately 60 days to harvest.  Each packet contains a minimum of 100 seeds.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Perpetual Spinach","offers":[{"title":"Packet (100 Seeds)","offer_id":44071939965177,"sku":"CH-00-002","price":3.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0955\/4450\/files\/perpetual-spinach-swiss-chard-seeds-43842595324153.jpg?v=1731751106"},{"product_id":"scarlet-1","title":"Scarlet Kale","description":"\u003cp\u003eScarlet Kale is a unique variety that produces lovely, scarlet-colored leaves with frilled edges.  We've discovered that the red coloring seems to offer some camouflage against hungry rabbits.  While our green kale plants occasionally get eaten by rabbits (or chickens), I've never seen the scarlet kale get hit.  Last week, (as I write, it's December in Iowa) I finally pulled the last plants and threw them in the chicken coop.  Nearly a week later, they've barely touched them, but they have devoured the green kale I threw in with them.  Are they invisible?  I'm not sure, but I do know that this variety is well worth a try if you have rabbit or chicken issues, or if you just like beautiful, great-tasting kale.  60 days to harvest.  Each packet contains a minimum of 100 seeds.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Scarlet","offers":[{"title":"Packet (250 Seeds)","offer_id":44072015528185,"sku":"KA-00-007","price":3.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0955\/4450\/files\/scarlet-kale-seeds-39366234505465.jpg?v=1700324162"},{"product_id":"dwarf-siberian","title":"Dwarf Siberian Kale","description":"\u003cp\u003eDwarf Siberian Kale is a Russian variety that produces wavy, blue-green leaves with loosely curled margins.  Plants are compact, reaching just 16-inches in height.  Tender leaves have a good flavor that is enhanced by frost.  Excellent cold tolerance with a darker, blue-green color developing in freezing temperatures.  We are usually able to continue harvesting this variety through late fall and sometimes into early winter.  Harvests begin approximately 60 days after planting.  Each packet contains a minimum of 100 seeds.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dwarf Siberian","offers":[{"title":"Packet (100 Seeds)","offer_id":44071534231801,"sku":"KA-00-002","price":3.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0955\/4450\/files\/dwarf-siberian-kale-seeds-42936490426617.jpg?v=1726316554"},{"product_id":"lacinato","title":"Lacinato Kale (Nero di Toscana)","description":"\u003cp\u003eLacinato kale, also known as dinosaur kale, Cavolo Nero, Tuscan kale, or black kale, is a historic Italian heirloom dating back to at least the eighteenth century. Tall plants produce long, heavily savoyed leaves with a distinctive deep blue-green color and excellent flavor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOf all the kale varieties we grow, Lacinato remains our favorite. The leaves are more tender than many curly kales and are well suited for soups, sautés, kale chips, and fresh salads. The striking texture and rich color also make this one of the most beautiful vegetables in the garden.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne thing we have noticed, however, is that cabbage worms seem especially fond of Lacinato. Organic gardeners may want to provide a little extra protection, particularly during peak butterfly season. On our farm, we've had the best results growing this variety beneath a lightweight row cover.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA productive and cold-hardy variety that improves in flavor after a light frost. Approximately 60 days to harvest. Each packet contains a minimum of 100 seeds.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Lacinato","offers":[{"title":"Packet (100 Seeds)","offer_id":44071600062713,"sku":"KA-00-004","price":3.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0955\/4450\/files\/lacinato-kale-seeds-39361558118649.jpg?v=1700325615"},{"product_id":"vates-blue-curled","title":"Vates Blue Curled Scotch Kale","description":"\u003cp\u003eAlso known as Dwarf Blue Curled Scotch, Vates is an open-pollinated variety developed by researchers at the Virginia Truck Experiment Station (VATES) and released in 1950.   Plants produce beautiful, blue-green leaves with highly curled margins.  The appearance of Vates Kale is similar to grocery store varieties, except that leaves are slightly thinner and more tender.  Vates exhibits excellent cold tolerance.  In fact, the plants will even endure some hard freezes.  Approximately 55 days to harvest.  Each packet contains a minimum of 100 seeds.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Vates Blue Curled Scotch","offers":[{"title":"Packet (100 Seeds)","offer_id":44074842980601,"sku":"KA-00-008","price":3.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0955\/4450\/products\/vates-blue-curled-scotch-kale-seeds-29935277473949.jpg?v=1700369528"},{"product_id":"red-russian","title":"Red Russian Kale","description":"\u003cp\u003eRed Russian is a unique variety of kale that is both ornamental and culinary value.  Plants produce green, deeply lobed leaves with purple mid-veins.  A popular variety for baby greens and a staple for four-season gardeners.  Often rated as one of the best tasting kale varieties.  Approximately 30 days to harvest for baby greens and 60 days for mature leaves.  Each packet contains a minimum of 100 seeds.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Red Russian","offers":[{"title":"Packet (100 Seeds)","offer_id":44071974502649,"sku":"KA-00-005","price":3.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0955\/4450\/files\/red-russian-kale-seeds-39822269448441.jpg?v=1701957649"},{"product_id":"fordhook-giant-swiss-chard","title":"Fordhook Giant Swiss Chard","description":"\u003cp\u003eFordhook Giant is an heirloom variety of chard first introduced by W. Atlee Burpee \u0026amp; Company in 1924.  For the last hundred years, this well-loved variety has been prized for its large, crumpled, dark green leaves that reach up to two feet in length.  Vigorous, robust plants yield ceaselessly from spring until fall, even surviving some of the first fall frosts (longer if some protection is provided).  The thick yet tender, savoyed leaves have a pleasant, mild flavor that is reminiscent of spinach and are likewise well-suited for sauteing, braising, or fresh eating when young.  White midribs are often chopped and prepared similar to asparagus.  Approximately 60 days to harvest.  Each packet contains a minimum of 100 seeds.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Fordhook Giant","offers":[{"title":"Packet (100 Seeds)","offer_id":44071545241849,"sku":"CH-00-004","price":3.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0955\/4450\/files\/fordhook-giant-swiss-chard-seeds-39644694380793.jpg?v=1700355857"},{"product_id":"portuguese-kale-tronchuda","title":"Portuguese Kale (Tronchuda)","description":"\u003cp\u003eAlso known as Couve Tronchuda, Portuguese Kale is an exceptionally cold-tolerant vegetable that produces tender, delicately cupped leaves with a sweet flavor and velvety texture.   While we love kale (and we do love kale) we can admit that it can sometimes get a little tough as the leaves size up.  Not so with Portuguese Kale.  Its leaves stay tender and delicious all summer long.  You'll be amazed at how they just seem to melt when you bite into them.  Portuguese Kale can be eaten fresh, wilted like spinach, or braised like collards, but with a much shorter cooking time.  All in all, if you've found yourself on the fence when it comes to kale, this is an excellent variety to try.  And if you already love kale, well, you’ve gotta try this one.   Frost sensitive, suitable for spring planting only.  80-85 days from transplant.  Each packet contains a minimum of 100 seeds.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Portuguese (Trochuda)","offers":[{"title":"Packet (100 Seeds)","offer_id":46116994941177,"sku":"KA-00-010","price":3.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0955\/4450\/files\/portuguese-kale-tronchuda-seeds-1113746299.jpg?v=1738502213"},{"product_id":"dazzling-blue-kale","title":"Dazzling Blue Kale","description":"\u003cp\u003eDazzling Blue is an open-pollinated variety of kale that produces stunning, blue-green leaves bisected by bright purple midveins.  Bred by Hank Keogh of Avoca Farms, Dazzling Blue Kale is the result of backcrossing a purple-stemmed variant of 'Rainbow Lacinato\" with its ancestral parent Lacinato (also known as Nero di Toscana).  The result is an extremely cold-tolerant 'dinosaur'-type kale with purple stems and delicately wrinkled leaves.  The name \"dazzling\" is well-deserved because this kale will have you stopping and staring all summer long.  Frost only intensifies its beauty and flavor.  An Open-Source Seed Initiative variety.  Harvests begin approximately 80 days after sowing.  Each packet contains a minimum of 100 seeds.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dazzling Blue","offers":[{"title":"Packet (100 Seeds)","offer_id":46131509461241,"sku":"KA-00-009","price":3.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0955\/4450\/files\/dazzling-blue-kale-seeds-1113746310.jpg?v=1738502531"},{"product_id":"rainbow-swiss-chard","title":"Rainbow Swiss Chard","description":"\u003cp\u003eRainbow chard is a colorful selection of \u003cem\u003eBeta vulgaris\u003c\/em\u003e grown for its vibrant stems and tender, nutrient-rich leaves. Unlike traditional Swiss chard with white ribs, rainbow chard produces stalks in shades of red, pink, orange, yellow, and white, making it as attractive in the garden as it is on the plate. The plants form large rosettes of glossy, crinkled leaves that can be harvested young for salads or allowed to mature for cooking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLike other chards, Rainbow Swiss Chard is highly productive and tolerant of both cool and warm conditions, often continuing to produce from early summer well into fall. In the kitchen, the mild, slightly earthy leaves can be sautéed, added to soups, or used much like spinach, while the crisp stems bring color and texture to stir-fries and vegetable dishes.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rainbow Mix","offers":[{"title":"Packet (100 Seeds)","offer_id":47482949173497,"sku":"CH-00-005","price":3.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0955\/4450\/files\/rainbow-swiss-chard-seeds-1226323775.jpg?v=1772843769"},{"product_id":"palla-rossa-radicchio","title":"Palla Rossa Radicchio","description":"\u003cp\u003ePalla Rossa is a beautiful Italian heirloom radicchio that produces compact, rounded heads of deep burgundy leaves with striking white ribs. The plants initially resemble ordinary green chicory, developing broad outer leaves that gradually give way to tightly packed, richly colored centers. At harvest, the outer foliage can be peeled away to reveal the beautiful red and white heads within. Few vegetables offer such a dramatic transformation!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePalla Rossa belongs to the Chioggia family of radicchio, named for the historic fishing town on Italy's Adriatic coast. Radicchio has been cultivated in northeastern Italy for centuries, where growers have developed an extraordinary diversity of varieties distinguished by their shapes, colors, and growing habits. The name \u003cem\u003ePalla Rossa\u003c\/em\u003e, meaning \"red ball,\" is particularly fitting for this variety's rounded, richly colored heads. Although radicchio is traditionally grown as a fall crop, we've had excellent results with early spring plantings, starting seeds indoors in March and transplanting in April.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith its pleasantly bitter flavor and crisp, tender texture, Palla Rossa adds wonderful color and complexity to fresh salads. The leaves are equally delicious grilled, roasted, or sautéed, where cooking mellows their bitterness and brings out a subtle sweetness. Try pairing them with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Parmesan, or other rich ingredients that complement radicchio's distinctive flavor.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Palla Rossa","offers":[{"title":"Packet (250 Seeds)","offer_id":67601751572729,"sku":null,"price":3.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0955\/4450\/files\/palla-rossa-radicchio-seeds-1266145591.jpg?v=1793831411"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.threshseed.com\/collections\/bitter-greens.oembed","provider":"Thresh Seed Co.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}