Lacinato Kale

Brassicaceae

Also called Tuscan kale, Dinosaur kale, or cavolo nero. Dark blue-green strap leaves with bumpy texture. Italian heirloom. Flavor sweetens dramatically after frost via starch-to-sugar conversion (cold acclimation). Less cold-hardy than curly types but more tender texture. Ideal for soups, sautés, and raw salads when massaged. Single planting produces for months via CCA harvest.

At a Glance

Days to Maturity

60–65 days

Sun

6+ hours

Spacing

12–18 "

Container

Yes

3+ gallon pot

Height

2–3 ft

Zone Planting Guide

Your USDA Zone:

Growing Guide

Germination

Germination Time 5–10 days

Optimal Temp 60°F

Seed Depth 0.5"

Watering

Weekly Water 1–1.5 "

Needs Moderate-consistent

Soil

pH Range 6–7

Resilience

Heat: Medium Cold: High Drought: Medium

Nutrition

Feeding Intensity Heavy feeder

Harvest

Storage 7 days

Sources

horticultural Gardener's Path — Best Kale for Cold Climates horticultural Harvesting History — Kale extension Kale in the Garden (Utah State University Extension) extension Growing collards and kale in home gardens (University of Minnesota Extension)

More Vegetables

Lacinato Kale Planting Dates by Zone

Planting dates for Lacinato Kale vary by USDA hardiness zone. Select your zone below for frost dates, start-indoors timing, and a full monthly planting calendar.

Zone 5A Zone 5B Zone 6A Zone 6B Zone 7A Zone 7B Zone 8A Zone 8B Zone 9A Zone 9B

Ready to grow Lacinato Kale?

Get a personalized planting schedule based on your exact zone with frost dates, task reminders, and feeding plans.

Start Your Garden Plan