Kale 'Lacinato' (Brassica oleracea var. palmifolia) – Offered by Ferme Tourne-Sol
'Lacinato' kale , also known as dinosaur kale or Tuscan kale , is an Italian heirloom variety prized for its long, crinkled, dark blue-green leaves . Its flavor is mild and slightly sweet , with a tender texture that becomes even more flavorful after a touch of frost. Highly cold-hardy , it produces well into winter , providing bountiful harvests for soups, stir-fries, and salads.
Type : Kale
Plant habit : Upright and vigorous
Spread : 40 to 60 cm
Plant height : 60 to 90 cm
Quantity per pack : 250 seeds
Maturity : 55 to 75 days
Companion plants : Beans, beets, carrots, garlic, celery
Enemy plants : Strawberry, tomato
Cultivation method
'Lacinato' kale grows in full sun to partial shade in rich, well-drained, slightly moist soil. Sow directly in the ground after the last frost or start seedlings indoors 4 to 6 weeks before transplanting . Sow 1 cm deep , in rows 45 cm apart, then thin to 30 to 40 cm apart. Regular watering , without soaking the soil, ensures tender, flavorful leaves. For a continuous harvest, pick the outer leaves , leaving the center intact for extended production.
Use and benefits
'Lacinato' cabbage is versatile in the kitchen , delicious raw in salads, sautéed with garlic, incorporated into soups or baked into crispy chips . It is an excellent source of vitamins A, C and K, iron and antioxidants , supporting immunity and bone health .
With its hardiness, refined taste and extended production , 'Lacinato' kale is a must-have in the vegetable garden, especially for lovers of nutrient-rich leafy vegetables .
