Growing Organic Black Tuscan Lacinato Kale Vegetable Seeds
How to Grow Organic Black Tuscan Lacinato Kale from Seed
Organic Lacinato kale seeds are a cool hardy crop able to be sown directly in early spring or late fall. For best starts, begin indoors 3-4 weeks before final spring frost or 6-8 before the first autumn frost.
Plant 3-4 Lacinato kale seeds 1/4" deep per cell and 3-4" apart in the garden in nitrogen-rich, Organic, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5. Organic Dinosaur kale seeds germinate in 3-10 days, thinning out best starts to 1 plant per pot or every 12-18" in the garden as true leaves establish. Kale benefits from fertilizer every 4 weeks. Extended summer heat will cause plants to bolt and become bitter.
Organic Lacinato kale seeds can be grown in all grow zones, with full or partial sun. Directly sow the seeds one fourth of an inch deep in moist, rich soil, with a pH level between 6.5 and 6.8. Space the seeds 18-24" apart, with two feet between rows. While growing, the soil must be kept moist, but care must be taken to not over water the plants. The outer leaves can be harvested sixty days after sowing. Continuous harvesting is possible if the bud is kept intact.
Organic Lacinato Dinosaur Kale in the Vegetable Garden
Kale has recently become one of the most popular vegetables both in and out of the garden. Whether because of unparalleled health benefits, ease of growing, or showy decorative color, there is almost no reason not to have a place for kale in the garden box. Kale is one of the most hardy Brassicas, boasting a tolerance to both heat and cold extremes and even overwintering in moderate climates. Organic kale is more diverse than you think, available in a variety of unique colors, shapes, sizes, and textures.
Organic Lacinato Kale (Brassica oleracea var. sabellica) is a highly nutritious plant, and part of the cabbage family. It's slightly larger and wider than other kale varieties. It will over winter in most zones, but can be planted in in the spring or the fall. Frost actually improves the flavor as dinosaur kale prefers a cooler environment. Water well during hotter months.
Kale is versatile, and can be made into crunchy kale chips, added to soups and stews, cooked by itself, and is a delicious addition to salads. Believe it or not, the bitter flavor is lessened when the leaves are gently massaged just before eating or adding to recipes.
Harvesting Organic Lacinato (Black Tuscan) Kale
Most kale is ready to begin harvesting about 60 days from sowing. Organic Lacinato kale is a "cut and come again" crop and continuously harvesting younger, outer leaves will encourage growth. Carefully cut back any yellowing leaves that may appear at the base. In warm enough climates, kale can produce over winter but, in colder regions, lay a tarp or row cover to further a winter harvest. Organic Dinosaur kale can be continually harvested for a few weeks if outer leaves are harvested and the center bud is left intact.
Enjoy Lacinato when the leaves are young and tender.
About Organic Black Tuscan Lacinato Kale Seeds
Brassica oleracea var. sabellica (70-80 days). AKA: Dinosaur kale, Nero di Toscana, Palm Tree kale
An old Italian heirloom kale dating back to the eighteenth century.
Lacinato is a unique variety that produces blue-green, bumpy leaves that are 3-4" wide and 11-19" long.
Fantastic flavor that is enhanced by the first frost.
