Lacinato Kale: Nutrient-Rich Italian Heirloom for Continuous Harvest
Lacinato kale, also known as “Dinosaur” or “Tuscan” kale, is a classic Italian heirloom variety prized for its deep blue-green, long, and narrow leaves. This antioxidant powerhouse matures quickly, ready for harvest in just 35 days from planting. Lacinato’s striking appearance and rich nutritional profile make it a standout in both gardens and kitchens, with a history dating back centuries in Italian cuisine.
This versatile kale variety offers a multitude of culinary uses, from raw salads to cooked dishes. Its tender leaves have a slightly sweeter and more delicate flavor compared to curly kale varieties, making it perfect for both novice and experienced kale enthusiasts. Lacinato’s high levels of antioxidant carotenoids contribute to its exceptional nutritional value, supporting overall health and well-being. The unique texture and appearance of the leaves add visual interest to gardens and plates alike.
Lacinato kale grows to a compact height of 24 inches, making it suitable for various garden sizes and container growing. Its upright growth habit allows for easy harvesting from the bottom up, promoting continuous production throughout the season. This picking method encourages new growth, ensuring a steady supply of fresh, nutrient-dense leaves for months. Plant Lacinato kale with 24-inch spacing between plants to allow for optimal growth and air circulation.
Growing Success Tips:
- Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date for an early harvest
- Provide consistent moisture and rich, well-draining soil for best growth
- Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Harvest outer leaves regularly to encourage continued production
Lacinato kale offers an excellent return on investment for home gardeners and market growers alike. Its quick maturation, continuous harvest potential, and high nutritional value make it a valuable addition to any vegetable garden or farm. By incorporating this Italian heirloom into your growing plans, you’ll enjoy a bountiful harvest of nutrient-rich, versatile greens throughout the season.
For an extra flavor boost, expose plants to light frost before harvesting – this naturally sweetens the leaves.
Product Features
- Heirloom Italian kale variety
- Deep blue-green, long, narrow leaves
- High in antioxidant carotenoids
- 35 days to maturity
- Full sun to partial shade
- Well-draining, fertile soil
- Regular, consistent watering
- 24-inch plant spacing
- 24-inch mature height
Key Benefits
- Continuous harvest potential
- Versatile culinary applications
- Nutrient-dense superfood
- Attractive ornamental value in gardens
