Kale 'Lacinato' organic
identification
description
Organic 'Lacinato' kale ( Brassica napus ), offered by Gaia, an ancestral and rustic variety
'Lacinato' kale , also called "Dinosaur Kale" , is a Mediterranean heirloom variety that has been cultivated for centuries. Its long, dark green, slender, crinkled leaves , resembling ostrich feathers , give it a unique, prehistoric appearance .
Known for its cold hardiness , it softens after a light frost , making it ideal for fall and winter harvests. Rich in vitamins and antioxidants , it is prized for soups, stir-fries, or crunchy kale chips .
Did you know?
'Lacinato' kale is a star ingredient in traditional Italian cooking , most notably in Tuscan ribollita , a rich and comforting peasant soup.
Spread : Upright habit and elongated leaves
Plant height : 75 to 90 cm
Quantity per pack : ± 200 seeds
Companion plants : Potato, beetroot, lettuce, chard, peas, alliums, radishes, spinach, celery, cucumber, herbs
Enemy plants : Tomato, strawberry, grape, rue
Cultivation method
Seeds can be soaked in warm water for 12 hours to improve germination.
Sow directly into the ground as soon as the soil can be worked , or start indoors 4 weeks before planting . For a fall harvest, sow 2 months before the first frost .
Plant in rich, well-drained soil , spacing plants 5 to 45 cm apart depending on the desired size. Moderate watering is recommended to avoid excess moisture.
Harvesting and conservation
Harvest at desired size , cutting off outer leaves first. As the cold sets in, the flavor will mellow .
After harvesting, it is recommended to cool it in water to prolong its freshness. Keeps for several weeks in the refrigerator .
Why grow 'Lacinato' kale?
? Ancestral variety, prized for its texture and taste
? Elongated and embossed leaves, perfect for various culinary preparations
? Cold and frost resistant, ideal for fall and winter
? Rich in essential nutrients and antioxidants
