Lacinato Kale

SpringSummerFallWinter

2a–9bHardiness zone

Background

Lacinato kale — also called dinosaur kale, cavolo nero, or Tuscan kale — produces long, strappy, deeply textured blue-black leaves on an upright stem that eventually towers above the garden. It is the most visually architectural of the kales and holds its texture better in cooking than curly varieties. Like all kales, it sweetens dramatically after frost.

A heavy feeder — top-dress with compost mid-season. The plant can overwinter in Zone 6b and will flush with new growth in early spring before bolting. The spring growth and flower buds are especially tender and sweet.

Good companions

Calendula Brilliant Beet Blend Celery Bunching Onion / Scallion Basil Dill Chamomile

Keep apart

Tomato Strawberry

Care guide

SunFull sun to partial shade

WaterModerate; consistent moisture; tolerates some drought once established

SoilRich, well-draining; heavier feeder than Red Russian

Spacing18–24 inches

Height24–48 inches

Zone2a – 9b

Direct sowFrost hardy

Seasonal tasks

winter

cutHarvest lower leaves regularly as the plant grows upward — cold sweetens the leaves, so keep picking through frost and on into winter (a low tunnel carries it through hard freezes in colder zones)

spring

sowStart indoors 6 weeks before last frost for a spring crop

sowDirect sow

watchTransplant outdoor 4–5 weeks before last frost — kale handles hard frost and benefits from the cool spell to establish before heat

summer

sowDirect sow

watchBolting now — harvest flower buds (edible, like broccoli), save seeds before pods split, then pull and clear bed for summer vegetables

fall

Pests

Aphids

Aphididae →

Symptoms

Clusters of small soft insects on new growth and flower buds.

Treatment

Knock off with a strong jet of water. Ladybirds and lacewings are natural predators. Insecticidal soap as last resort.