Nero di Toscana Kale (Heirloom, 55 Days)

The Nero di Toscana Kale is an 1885 Italian Heirloom. Also known as Lacinato or Dinosaur Kale, the plant is 3’ tall with dark, meaty, puckered leaves, the color of a blue spruce. With striking ornamental leaves, the Nero di Toscana Kale has good flavor harvested young and cooked simply in olive oil. Mature plant has a stronger flavor, which improves after a frost. 

PLANTING

Brassica oleracea

Germination: 3-10 days

Germination Temperature: Optimum soil temperatures 70-85ºF.

Seed Sowing Depth: 1/2” deep

Starting Indoors: 4-6 weeks before last frost. Sow 2-3 seeds per cell/pot. Thin to the strongest seedling. Fertilize the seedlings every 7-10 days with a liquid or water soluble fertilizer, diluted to ¼ of suggested measurement. Transplant a week or two before last frost. Space 12-18" apart. Sow in midsummer for fall crops. 

Sowing Outdoors: Starting in spring when soil temperature reaches at least 55ºF. Sow 2-3 seeds every 12-18”. Sow closer to harvest baby greens. Thin to the strongest seedling per space. Sow in midsummer for fall crops. Germination is slower at lower soil temperatures.

Harvest:  Pick young leaves starting at 8-10". 

Tips: The Nero di Toscana Kale should be planted into a fertile, well drained soil.  Leaves become very sweet after frost. Use thinning’s or sow a heavy seeded row every 10-14 days for baby greens.