Lacinato Kale Seeds (Organic)

Lacinato Kale (Brassica oleracea, Acephala group), also known as Dino or Tuscan kale, is an heirloom biennial prized for its dark green, nearly black, heavily savoyed strap-shaped leaves. The mild, slightly sweet flavor suits raw salads, sauteing, soups, and kale chips, and the plant is cold-hardy, turning sweeter after a light frost.

At a glance

• Botanical name: Brassica oleracea (Acephala group)
• Type: Heirloom biennial, organic
• Days to maturity: 62 days
• Germination: 5 to 18 days
• Soil temperature: 45 to 95 degrees F
• Sun: Partial sun
• Planting depth: 1/4 to 1/2 inch
• Spacing after thinning: 16 inches
• Height at maturity: 24 inches
• Seeds per pack: about 250 (about 29,728 per 1/4 lb bulk)

Best for

• Raw salads, smoothies, soups, and kale chips
• Cool-season and overwintering gardens
• Small gardens and raised beds
• Cut-and-come-again continuous harvest
• Nutrient-dense leafy greens rich in vitamins A, C, and K

How to grow

Start indoors 6 weeks before the last frost or sow directly as soon as the soil can be worked, planting 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep in moderately fertile, well-draining soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. Thin to 16 inches apart, give partial sun, and water regularly and evenly to avoid bitterness. Plants reach about 24 inches and mature in 62 days; sow in mid-July for fall harvests.

Flavor profile

Mild and slightly sweet with a tender, pleasantly chewy texture once cooked, milder than curly kale and sweeter after a light frost.

About Grow Organic

Grow Organic supplies seeds, plants, and garden supplies for organic and sustainable growing, helping home gardeners and small farms cultivate healthy, productive gardens.