BattenBlooms
PL. —Brassica oleracea var. palmifoliaBotanical illustration — drop image
Brassica oleracea var. palmifolia

Lacinato Kale

FallWinterSpring
2a–9bHardiness zone
Peak bloom windowZone 6b · frost-offset weeks
Winter
Not in bloom
Spring
Peak bloom
Summer
Not in bloom
Fall
Not in bloom
Peak bloom
In bloom
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 officinalisBeta vulgarisApium graveolensAllium fistulosumOcimum basilicumAnethum graveolensMatricaria chamomilla
Keep apart
Solanum lycopersicumFragaria × ananassa
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
fall
sowDirect sow in late summer (8 weeks before first frost) for autumn and winter harvest
cutHarvest lower leaves regularly — the plant grows upward and continues producing from the top
Common problems

Aphids

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.