Kale Nero di Toscana - Brassica oleracea acephala

Kale Nero di Toscana - Brassica oleracea acephala

Kale Nero di Toscana is an Italian heirloom variety producing long, lush, deep green leaves with a distinctive wrinkled appearance. The tender leaves have a rich flavour and can be harvested young for eating raw or allowed to mature for cooking. A productive and hardy leafy vegetable that provides repeated harvests throughout the growing season.

Packet Quantity: 200 seeds

Planting Instructions

Sowing Time:
Autumn, Winter and Spring. In cooler areas, kale can also be grown through Summer with protection from excessive heat.

Position:
Full sun to part shade. Choose a position with good sunlight and protection from extreme heat.

Soil:
Rich, fertile and well prepared soil with plenty of organic matter. Ensure the soil is well drained and retains moisture.

Sowing Depth:
5 mm

Spacing:
45 cm between plants and 45 cm between rows.

Germination Time:
7 to 10 days.

Harvest Time:
Approximately 8 to 12 weeks from sowing.

Growing Tips

Prepare the garden bed well before sowing by incorporating compost or well rotted manure into the soil. Water the bed thoroughly before sowing and keep the soil consistently moist while the seeds germinate.

Kale prefers cool growing conditions and produces its best growth during autumn, winter and spring. In warmer areas, provide some afternoon shade during hot weather to help prevent plants from becoming stressed.

Once established, keep plants well watered and feed regularly with a suitable vegetable fertiliser to encourage strong leafy growth.

Harvest the outer leaves regularly, taking care not to damage the central growing point. Young leaves can be picked for salads, while larger mature leaves are excellent steamed, sautéed, added to soups or used in other cooked dishes.

Regular harvesting encourages the plant to produce fresh new leaves and extends the harvest period.