General
Lacinato kale (also called Tuscan kale, cavolo nero, or palm kale) is a non-heading kale with dark, blistered, spear-shaped leaves on an upright stem. It is more tender than curly kale and develops sweeter flavor after light frosts. While botanically biennial, it is commonly grown as an annual in the Nordics. Plants are cold-tolerant and can survive light freezes, especially in sheltered sites with mulch. Expect 60 cm spread and 80–100 cm height; tall plants may benefit from staking in windy sites.
Light
Full sun to light partial shade (at least 6 hours of sun).
Soil type
Deep, fertile, well-drained yet moisture-retentive loam enriched with compost or well-rotted manure.
Water requirement
Moderate; keep soil evenly moist, avoid prolonged drought or waterlogging.
Nutrient requirement
High. Needs ample nitrogen early for leafy growth; switch to balanced feed mid-season.
Precultivation
Sow indoors 4–6 weeks before last frost. Seed depth 1 cm in trays or modules. Ideal germination temperature is 15–22°C; emergence in 5–10 days. Provide strong light and cool growth (12–16°C) to prevent legginess. Pot on if roots fill cells. Begin hardening off 7–10 days before planting out once plants have 3–4 true leaves.
Planting
Plant out after risk of hard frost when days are consistently ≥10°C. Spacing: 40–50 cm between plants and 60–70 cm between rows. Soil: pH 6.5–7.2 preferred; lime acidic soils to reduce clubroot risk. Work in 3–5 L/m² of compost before planting. Water in well and mulch immediately (straw, leaves, or grass clippings). Use insect netting/fleece from day one to exclude cabbage white butterflies and flea beetles. In cooler areas, fleece also boosts early growth.
Pruning
No formal pruning required. Regularly remove yellowing or damaged outer leaves to improve airflow and reduce pests. Pinch off any flower shoots that appear to keep plants in leafy production. In late season, you can top the plant lightly to encourage side shoots.
Maintenance
Keep consistently moist with 2–3 cm water/week depending on weather. Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Side-dress with compost or a nitrogen-rich organic feed 4–6 weeks after planting, then switch to a balanced feed mid-season. Stake tall plants if exposed. Protect with fine mesh (0.8 mm) against cabbage white, moths, and flea beetles; collar bases to deter cabbage root fly. Encourage beneficials; use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) for caterpillars if needed. Avoid overhead watering late in the day to reduce foliar disease.
Harvest
Begin picking as soon as plants are established, typically from mid–late summer. Harvest outer leaves first, leaving the central growing point. Best flavor comes after light frost. For storage, refrigerate unwashed leaves in a perforated bag for up to a week. In mild areas, mulch heavily and continue harvesting into late autumn; overwintered plants can send tasty spring shoots.
Common issues
Pests: cabbage white butterfly and moth (caterpillars) – prevent with netting, hand-pick, or treat with Bt. Flea beetles – use fine mesh, keep soil moist, and mulch. Aphids – wash off with water, encourage predators, or use soft soap. Diseases: clubroot – maintain pH near neutral with lime, ensure drainage, practice long rotations, and avoid moving contaminated soil. Downy mildew/leaf spots – improve spacing and airflow, remove affected leaves. Nutrient issues: pale leaves indicate nitrogen deficiency; apply compost or organic nitrogen. Tipburn can follow erratic watering.
Rotation schedule
Follow a 4-year rotation minimum (6 years if clubroot present): Year 1 Brassicas (kale), Year 2 legumes, Year 3 fruiting crops (tomato, squash), Year 4 roots/leafy non-brassicas. Do not return Brassicas to the same bed for at least 4 years. Avoid planting after or next to other Brassicas to limit pest/disease buildup.
Pollination
Insect-pollinated if allowed to flower in year two; typically grown for leaves and not for seed in year one.
Companion plants
Onions, garlic, chives, dill, calendula, nasturtium, marigold, beans/peas (for soil nitrogen), beets, celery.
Incompatible plants
Other Brassicas nearby (increases pest/disease pressure), strawberries, mustard/rocket; avoid planting adjacent to previous Brassica beds.
