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Vegetable
Brassicaceae
Lacinato Kale (Brassica oleracea var. palmifolia)
Product code : JAREC-0058
Organic 'Lacinato' kale is an ancient and elegant variety, immediately recognizable by its long, deeply puckered blue-green leaves that give the garden an almost sculptural appearance. Also known as Tuscan kale or Black Tuscan kale, Brassica oleracea var. palmifolia happily combines ornamental beauty, hardiness, and great culinary value. In the kitchen, its leaves offer a mild, slightly nutty flavor, delicious raw when young, but even richer in soups, stir-fries, and stews. Harvested leaf by leaf, it generously extends the season and allows for regular picking as needed.
- Quantity
- Around 250 seeds
- Exposure
- Sun
- Life cycle
- Biennial
Discover the plant
Common nameLacinato kale; Tuscan kale or cavolo nero
FamilyBrassicaceae
GenusBrassica
Speciesoleracea
CultivarLacinato
TypeVegetable
Botanical nameBrassica oleracea var. palmifolia
Reproducible seedsYes
Heirloom varietyYes
Lacinato Kale (Brassica oleracea var. palmifolia). Organic Lacinato Kale is an elegant heirloom variety, immediately recognizable by its long, dark blue-green, waffle-like leaves that give the vegetable garden an almost sculptural look. Also known as Tuscan Kale or Black Tuscan Kale, Brassica oleracea var. palmifolia happily combines ornamental beauty, hardiness, and great culinary value. In the kitchen, its leaves offer a mild, slightly nutty flavor, delicious raw when young, but even richer in soups, stir-fries, and stews. Harvested leaf by leaf, it generously extends the season and allows for regular picking as needed.
Recommended sowing period: April to July. The depth to respect is 1 cm (0.4 in). Germination usually takes 7 to 14 days. For germination, maintain the potting soil at 18 to 22 °C (64 to 72 °F). Young kales need light to form short, vigorous plants. Transplant before the roots become crowded, then gradually acclimate the plants to outdoor conditions. Plant them in prepared soil that retains regular moisture. Avoid crowding the plants, anticipating their small initial size: the mature foliage occupies much more space during harvest formation.
Place the kale in rows spaced far enough apart to observe the base and heart of the plants. The foliage eventually covers a good part of the ground: weed early, before access becomes difficult. Avoid placing small, delicate crops directly under their leaves. Well-spaced planting also facilitates the installation of a protective net and the cutting of heads or stems at maturity. In the kitchen, its leaves offer a mild, slightly nutty flavor, delicious raw when young, but even richer in soups, stir-fries, and stews.
Sowing guide
It all startswith a seed.
Sowing depth
1 cm (0.4 in)
Germination temperature
18 to 22°C (64 to 72°F)
Germination time
7 to 14 days
Sowing period
April to July
Propagation
Sowing
Growing method
Recommended sowing period: April to July. The depth to respect is 1 cm (0.4 in). Germination usually takes 7 to 14 days. For germination, keep the soil at 18 to 22 °C (64 to 72 °F). Young cabbages need light to form short, vigorous plants. Transplant before the roots become crowded, then gradually acclimate the plants to outdoor conditions. Install them in prepared soil that retains regular moisture. Avoid spacing the plants too closely in anticipation of their small initial size: adult foliage takes up much more space during crop formation. Inspect cabbage leaves, especially their undersides, to spot eggs, caterpillars, or bites early. Appropriate insect protection can help preserve the foliage while allowing air and light to pass through. Keep the heart or head accessible for observation. Harvest before the edible parts harden or open. Use a clean knife to cut without tearing the foliage you wish to keep. Cruciferous plants benefit from being monitored from planting. Look at the underside of the leaves to spot small caterpillars and initial damage.
Soil and care
The right care,at the right time.
Care level
Regular during establishment, then adapted to growing conditions
Watering
Regular
Soil type
Rich and well-drained
Fertilization
Fertilization supports growth and takes into account the nutrients already present in the soil or potting mix. Use mature compost or a fertilizer suitable for the crop, following the dosage instructions. Avoid using multiple products, especially in a container where roots occupy a limited volume. Water as needed after application and observe leaf development before re-fertilizing.
Moisture
Keep soil moist during germination, without standing water; adjust thereafter to the crop
Seasonal care
Harvested leaf by leaf, it extends the season generously and allows for regular picking as needed. Young cabbages require light to form short, vigorous plants. Transplant before the roots become crowded, then gradually acclimate the plants to outdoor conditions. Install them in well-prepared soil that retains consistent moisture. Avoid planting them too close together, even though they start small: the adult foliage takes up much more space during harvest formation. Inspect the cabbage leaves, especially their undersides, to spot eggs, caterpillars, or bites early. Appropriate insect protection can help preserve the foliage while allowing air and light to pass through. Keep the heart or head accessible for observation. Harvest before the edible parts harden or open. Use a clean knife to cut without tearing the foliage you wish to keep. Cruciferous vegetables benefit from early monitoring. Check the underside of the leaves to spot small caterpillars and initial damage. An early-installed net can protect the crop, provided there is enough room for the foliage. Close the edges securely after care, without trapping the leaves against the mesh. In cooking, its leaves offer a sweet, slightly nutty flavor, delicious raw when young, but even richer in soups, stir-fries, and stews. Recommended sowing period: April to July.
Container growing
A garden,within reach.
Suitable for containers
Yes
Recommended pot size
Container that is perforated and stable, with sufficient width for the plant to spread out and depth for the roots
Choose this exposure: sun. Reserve this spread around the plant: 45 to 60 cm (18 to 24 in). In a container, reserve enough space for a cabbage so that its foliage is not compressed against that of a neighbor. The pot must remain stable as the harvested part grows. Keep the root ball fresh and check the underside of the leaves during watering. The choice of container is made according to adult development, even if the young plant still seems small at the time of repotting. Organic ‘Lacinato’ kale is an old variety of great elegance, immediately recognizable by its long, dark blue-green, waffle-like leaves that give the vegetable garden an almost sculptural look. Also known as Tuscan kale or Black Tuscan kale, Brassica oleracea var. palmifolia happily combines ornamental beauty, hardiness, and great culinary value. In the kitchen, its leaves offer a mild, slightly nutty flavor, delicious raw when young, but even richer in soups, stir-fries, and stews. Harvested leaf by leaf, it generously extends the season and allows for regular picking as needed. Easy to grow in rich, well-drained soil, in a sunny exposure, it develops good vigor and a strong presence in garden beds.
Bloom and dimensions
Its place,in your garden.
Mature height
24 to 36 in. (60 to 90 cm)
Width / spread
45 to 60 cm (18 to 24 in)
Foliage type
Seasonal foliage
Growth habit
In rosette, Upright
Bloom period
2nd-year summer
Fruiting
In the kitchen, its leaves offer a sweet, slightly nutty flavor, delicious raw when young, but even richer in soups, stir-fries, and stews. Harvested leaf by leaf, it generously extends the season and allows for regular picking as needed. Crucifers benefit from being monitored from planting. Check the underside of the leaves to spot small caterpillars and early damage.
Harvest
60 days after sowing
Garden associations
In goodcompany.
Companion plants
In a diverse planting, you can dedicate adjacent sections to these plants: carrots, onions, beets. The companion planting here serves to organize space and harvests. Respect the height, light, and water needs of each plant, without crowding the foliage. Maintain a pathway for watering and harvesting, then remove finished crops to free up space. This organization facilitates maintenance without promising pest protection. Place cabbage in rows spaced far enough apart to observe the base and heart of the plants.
Recipe idea
From the gardento your plate.
Edible parts
Leaves
Cooking idea with Lacinato Kale: vegetable stir-fry for four servings. Prepare 400g of the harvested portion, one garlic clove, 15 ml of oil, and 30 ml of water. Cut stems, ribs, or firm parts into small pieces and set the leaves aside. Heat the oil, sauté the garlic without burning it, then add the firm pieces and water. Cover for a few minutes. Add the leaves or tender parts afterward and continue cooking until the desired texture is reached. Season to taste and serve hot. Prepare ingredients with clean utensils and adjust cutting to the size of your harvest. This recipe highlights freshly picked parts: remove any damaged pieces before preparation. If you double the quantities, ensure enough space in the pan for even mixing or cooking. Promptly place leftovers in the refrigerator in a sealed container and consume within two days. For a meal for two people, simply divide all quantities by two.
Frequently asked questions
Your questions,answered.
How to successfully sow 'Lacinato' Kale?
Recommended sowing period: April to July. The recommended depth is 1 cm (0.4 in). Germination usually takes 7 to 14 days. For germination, keep the potting soil at 18 to 22 °C (64 to 72 °F). Young cabbages need light to form short, vigorous plants. Transplant before the roots become crowded, then gradually acclimate the plants to outdoor conditions. Plant them in prepared soil that retains consistent moisture. Avoid planting too closely, anticipating their small initial size: adult foliage takes up much more space as the crop develops.
Can 'Lacinato' Kale be grown in pots?
Choose this exposure: full sun. Reserve this spread around the plant: 45 to 60 cm (18 to 24 in). In containers, make sure a cabbage has enough space so its foliage isn’t compressed against a neighbor’s. The pot must remain stable as the harvested part grows. Keep the root ball cool and check the undersides of the leaves when watering. The container should be chosen based on the adult size, even if the young plant seems small at the time of repotting. Organic 'Lacinato' kale is an ancient variety of great elegance, immediately recognizable by its long, dark blue-green, corrugated leaves that give the garden an almost sculptural appearance.
When to harvest 'Lacinato' Kale?
In the kitchen, its leaves offer a sweet, slightly nutty flavor, delicious raw when young, but even richer in soups, stir-fries, and stews. Harvested leaf by leaf, it generously extends the season and allows for regular picking as needed. Crucifers benefit from being monitored from planting. Look at the underside of the leaves to spot small caterpillars and initial damage. A net installed early can protect the crop, provided there is enough room for the foliage. Seal the edges well after care, without pressing the leaves against the mesh. Inspect cabbage leaves, especially their undersides, to spot eggs, caterpillars, or bites early.
What makes 'Lacinato' Kale stand out in the garden?
Organic 'Lacinato' kale is an ancient variety of great elegance, immediately recognizable by its long, dark blue-green, textured leaves that give the vegetable garden an almost sculptural appearance. Also known as Tuscan kale or Black Tuscan kale, Brassica oleracea var. palmifolia happily combines ornamental beauty, hardiness, and great culinary value. In the kitchen, its leaves offer a sweet, slightly nutty flavor, delicious raw when young, but even richer in soups, stir-fries, and stews. Harvested leaf by leaf, it generously extends the season and allows for regular picking as needed.
How to organize a 'Lacinato' Kale planting?
Place cabbage plants in rows with enough space between them to observe the base and heart of the plants. The foliage eventually covers a good portion of the ground, so weed early, before access becomes difficult. Avoid placing fragile, small crops directly under their leaves. Well-spaced planting also facilitates the installation of a protective net and the harvesting of heads or stems at maturity. Inspect the leaves of cabbage plants, especially their undersides, to spot eggs, caterpillars, or bites early. Appropriate insect protection can help preserve the foliage while allowing air and light to pass through.
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