Species
Brassica oleraceaWild Cabbage12 other cultivars
‘Vates Champion’Vates Champion Collard Greens
‘Veronica’Romanesco Cauliflower 'Veronica'
‘Darkibor’Darkibor Kale
‘Richmond's Pride’Ornamental Kale
‘Caraflex’Caraflex cabbage
‘Pixie’Pixie Cabbage
‘Terek’Terek Kale
‘Mix’Ornamental Kale Mix
‘Fioretto’Fioretto Sprouting Cauliflower
‘Graffiti’Purple Cauliflower
‘Ruby Ball’Ruby Ball Cabbage
‘Red Russian’Red Russian Kale
The Story
Plant Bio
An heirloom Italian kale featuring long, strap-like, deeply savoyed leaves of a very dark blue-green, almost black color. It is a non-heading member of the cabbage family, grown for its nutritious foliage.
Valued for its firm texture that holds up well to cooking and a rich, earthy flavor that becomes sweeter after a frost. It is a key ingredient in Italian cuisine, especially Tuscan dishes like Ribollita soup.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Annual
Height
30 inches
Width
18 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Water
Consistent moisture
Humidity
Moderate
Lifespan
Biennial, grown as an annual
Native To
Italy (Tuscany)
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Bloom period
Late spring – Early summer
In flower about 2 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds ¼ inch deep in moist soil in early spring.
- Maintain soil moisture consistently for optimal germination.
- Thin seedlings to 12 inches apart once established.
- Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist during growth.
- Fertilize with a balanced vegetable garden fertilizer every 4 weeks.
- Harvest mature heads when they are firm and compact, approximately 80 days after planting.
Pro Tip
Use organic compost to enrich soil and promote healthy growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water consistently to keep soil moist 🌱
- Apply organic compost for rich nutrients
- Mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don't neglect pest monitoring
- Avoid planting in poorly drained areas
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Harvest | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Plant |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Lacinato Kale questions
What zones can Lacinato Kale grow in?
Lacinato Kale is hardy in USDA Zones 4–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Lacinato Kale deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Lacinato Kale, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Lacinato Kale bloom?
Lacinato Kale typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Lacinato Kale need full sun?
Lacinato Kale does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
More Brassica to compare
Chinese Cabbage
Brassica rapa 'Chinese Cabbage'
Osaka Purple Mustard
Brassica juncea 'Osaka Purple'
Vates Champion Collard Greens
Brassica oleracea 'Vates Champion'
Purple Top Turnip
Brassica rapa 'Purple Top'
Romanesco Cauliflower 'Veronica'
Brassica oleracea 'Veronica'
Darkibor Kale
Brassica oleracea 'Darkibor'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Grow Lacinato Kale with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.