What Do Kale Seeds Look Like

If you’re saving seeds or buying them loose, knowing what do kale seeds look like is key to getting the right variety. This visual guide will help you identify them with confidence, whether you’re checking a packet or seed you saved yourself.

Kale seeds are small and round, but they have distinct features. With a little practice, you’ll be able to tell them apart from other common garden seeds.

Kale seeds are generally quite uniform in their appearance across different varieties. While color can vary slightly, their core shape and size are consistent.

Here are the main characteristics to look for:

Size: They are small, typically between 1 to 2 millimeters in diameter. That’s roughly the size of a pinhead or a grain of coarse sand.
Shape: Perfectly spherical and round. They are not oval or teardrop-shaped like some seeds.
Color: Most commonly a deep, dark brown to almost black. Some varieties, like certain Russian kales, can produce seeds that are a lighter tan or brown color.
Texture: The seed coat is hard and smooth to the touch. They are not fuzzy or wrinkled.

Close-Up Visual Details

Under magnification, you might see a very subtle texture on the seed coat. They don’t have any notable ridges or patterns, though. Their most defining feature is their simple, bead-like appearance.

When you pour them into your hand, they will look like tiny, dark ball bearings. They roll easily because of there spherical shape.

How They Compare to Other Brassica Seeds

Kale belongs to the Brassica family, which includes cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower. Their seeds look very similar, which can cause confusion.

Kale vs. Cabbage/Broccoli: Nearly identical. Size, color, and shape are almost the same. It’s very difficult to tell them apart visually.
Kale vs. Radish: Radish seeds are usually a lighter, reddish-brown and are slightly larger and more irregular in shape.
Kale vs. Turnip: Turnip seeds are often a dark red-brown and can be a bit smaller, but the difference is subtle.

Because of these similarities, labeling your saved seeds is absolutely crucial. If you mix them up, you won’t know what you’re growing until the leaves form.

Where to Find Kale Seeds on the Plant

Kale is a biennial plant. This means it produces seeds in its second year of growth, after it has gone through a cold period (vernalization).

In its first year, the plant focuses on growing its leafy greens.
If left in the ground over winter, it will send up a tall flower stalk the following spring.
This stalk produces small, yellow flowers.
After the flowers are pollinated, they form long, thin seed pods called siliques.

When the pods dry and turn brown on the plant, they are ready for harvest. Inside each brittle pod, you’ll find a row of those tiny, round seeds.

Harvesting and Processing Your Own Seeds

Saving kale seeds is a rewarding process. Here’s a simple method:

Allow the seed pods to dry completely on the stalk. They should be crispy and brown.
Cut the entire stalk and place it in a large paper bag.
Hang the bag upside down in a dry, airy place for a couple weeks to ensure total dryness.
Crush the pods inside the bag by hand or with a rolling pin to release the seeds.
Separate the seeds from the chaff (pod fragments) by winnowing. Pour the mixture between two bowls in front of a gentle fan; the lighter chaff will blow away.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Identification

Follow these steps when you’re trying to identify an unknown seed as kale.

Step 1: Assess the Basic Shape and Size

First, look at the seed’s form. Is it perfectly round and very small? If it’s oval, elongated, or flat, it is not a kale seed. The spherical shape is your first major clue.

Step 2: Examine the Color

Place the seeds on a white sheet of paper for contrast. Are they a dark brown or black? While tan is possible for some types, dark seeds are far more common. A bright color like yellow or red means it’s something else.

Step 3: Check the Surface Texture

Try to feel a seed between your fingers. Is the surface hard and smooth? Kale seeds lack hairs, spikes, or a rough, pitted texture. They should feel like tiny, hard beads.

Step 4: Consider the Source

Where did the seeds come from? Were they from a plant that had yellow flowers and long, thin pods? If you know they came from a brassica plant, and they match the physical description, they are likely kale or a very close relative.

Remember, without the original label, positive identification among brassicas is very challenging. The plant you grow will give you the final answer.

Common Questions and Mistakes

New gardeners often have a few recurring questions when dealing with kale seeds.

Can You Eat Kale Seeds?

No, the hard, dry seeds used for planting are not for eating. They are not like sunflower seeds. However, you can eat kale microgreens grown from these seeds, which are harvested just after the first leaves develop.

Why Do My Seeds Look Different?

If your “kale seeds” are a mix of shapes and sizes, you may have a few things going on. There might be debris or chaff still mixed in. Alternatively, if seeds were saved from an area where different brassicas flowered together, they could be cross-pollinated hybrids, though this won’t change the seed’s immediate appearance much.

How Long Are They Viable?

Stored correctly in a cool, dark, dry place, kale seeds can remain viable for 4 to 5 years. Their germination rate will slowly decline after that. An old seed that’s no longer good may become brittle or change color, but often it just won’t sprout.

FAQ Section

What is the size and color of kale seeds?

They are pinhead-sized (1-2mm) and most often a dark brown or black color, though some types are a lighter tan.

How can I tell kale seeds from cabbage seeds?

It’s extremely difficult. They look almost identical. The only reliable way is to keep them clearly labeled from the start or to grow them out and identify the mature plant.

What do kale seedlings look like?

The first two leaves (cotyledons) are simple and heart-shaped. The first true leaves will have the distinctive scalloped or frilly edge that kale is known for, which helps distinguish them from smooth-leaved cabbage seedlings early on.

Where can I see a picture of kale seeds?

Many seed company websites offer clear, close-up photos of their seeds. Checking a reputable garden supplier’s site is a great way to get a reliable visual reference for comparison.

Identifying kale seeds is all about noting their small, round, and dark characteristics. While they share a strong family resemblance with other brassicas, their bead-like shape is a reliable starting point. Always label your saved seeds clearly, and when in doubt, plant a few and let the leaves reveal there true identity. With this guide, you should feel more confident handling and recognizing these tiny packets of potential for your garden.