Nutrient-Rich Lacinato Kale: The Dinosaur of Leafy Greens
Discover the classic Italian ‘Dino’ kale, known for its striking deep blue, long and narrow leaves. This heirloom variety, Lacinato kale, matures quickly in just 35 days, offering a continuous harvest of nutrient-dense leaves. Prized for its exceptionally high levels of antioxidant carotenoids, Lacinato kale has been a staple in Tuscan cuisine for centuries, earning it the nickname “Tuscan kale.”
Lacinato kale is a versatile powerhouse in the kitchen and garden alike. Its tender leaves boast a rich, slightly sweet flavor that intensifies after frost, making it perfect for raw salads, sautés, and hearty soups. The plant’s striking appearance, with its dinosaur skin-like texture, adds visual interest to any garden. Beyond its culinary uses, Lacinato kale is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as powerful antioxidants that support overall health and well-being.
This compact kale variety grows to a manageable height of 24 inches, making it ideal for both spacious gardens and container growing. Plant Lacinato kale with 24-inch spacing to ensure optimal growth and air circulation. For a bountiful harvest, begin picking leaves from the bottom up as the plant matures, encouraging continuous production throughout the growing season. This method allows you to enjoy fresh, nutritious kale for months on end.
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 optimal growth
- Apply a layer of organic mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Harvest outer leaves regularly to promote continued leaf production
Elevate your garden and your plate with Lacinato kale, a nutritional powerhouse that’s as beautiful as it is beneficial. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a health-conscious cook, this Italian heirloom offers unparalleled flavor, texture, and nutritional value.
For an extra tender harvest, pick young leaves after a light frost for a sweeter flavor profile.
Product Features
- Deep blue, long and narrow leaves
- High levels of antioxidant carotenoids
- 35 days to maturity
- 24-inch mature height
- 3.5-inch pot size
- Full sun to partial shade
- Well-draining, fertile soil
- Regular watering
- 24-inch spacing between plants
- Cold-hardy and frost-tolerant
Key Benefits
- Continuous harvest from a single planting
- Versatile in culinary applications
- Rich in vitamins and antioxidants
- Striking ornamental value in gardens
