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.

30 seeds

PLANTING

Brassica oleracea

Germination:3-10 days

Germination Temperature:Optimum soil temperatures 70-85F.

Seed Sowing Depth:1/2 deep

StartingIndoors: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 of suggested measurement. Transplant a week or two before last frost. Space 12-18″ apart.Sowin midsummer for fall crops.

Sowing Outdoors:Starting in spring when soil temperature reaches at least 55F. Sow 2-3 seeds every 12-18. Sow closerto harvest baby greens.Thin to the strongest seedling per space. Sowin 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 thinnings or sow a heavy seeded row every 10-14 days for baby greens.