Overview
Brassica oleracea 'Lacinato' is Lacinato kale (dinosaur kale, cavolo nero), a cool-season annual forming an upright rosette 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) tall and 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) wide. Narrow strap-shaped dark blue-green to near-black leaves 2-3 inches (5-7 cm) wide and 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) long with a heavily blistered (savoyed) pebbled surface and prominent white to pale green midribs. The flat strap-shaped leaves distinguish Lacinato from curly kale types. In the mustard family (Brassicaceae). Known as 'cavolo nero' (black cabbage) in Italian — cultivated in Tuscany since at least the 18th century. Cool-season crop: bolts in sustained heat above 80°F (27°C). The flavor and leaf tenderness improve after frost exposure — fall- and winter-harvested leaves are sweeter. Sow in early spring or late summer for fall harvest. Harvest outer leaves by cut-and-come-again starting at 30-35 days; full-size at 60-75 days. The species B. oleracea also includes cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower. All Brassica contain goitrogens — reduced by cooking. Cabbage worms (Pieris rapae), aphids, and flea beetles are the primary pests. Not deer-resistant. Non-toxic (edible crop). Full sun to partial shade. Annual. Growth rate is moderate.
Native Range
Cultivar from Tuscany, Italy (cultivated since at least the 18th century). The species B. oleracea is native to Mediterranean and Atlantic coastal Europe.Suggested Uses
Grown in vegetable gardens, raised beds, and containers of at least 5 gallons (19 L). Cool-season crop — spring and fall harvests. Italian heirloom (cavolo nero). Flavor improves after frost. Not deer-resistant. Non-toxic. Annual.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1'6" - 2'
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years
Bloom Information
Bolts in sustained heat or in the second year — bright yellow 4-petaled cruciform flowers in terminal clusters. Bolting makes leaves bitter and tough. Flowering is undesirable in a leaf crop. Pinch flower buds to extend harvest.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Bright yellow, 4-petaled (cruciform), 0.5 inch (12 mm), in terminal clusters when boltingFoliage Description
Dark blue-green to near-black; narrow strap-shaped, 2-3 inches (5-7 cm) wide and 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) long; heavily blistered (savoyed) pebbled surface; prominent white to pale green midribGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Full sun to partial shade. Rich well-drained soil pH 6.0-7.5. Cool-season crop — bolts in heat above 80 degrees F (27 degrees C). Sow spring and late summer. Flavor improves after frost. Cut-and-come-again harvest. Contains goitrogens (reduced by cooking). Cabbage worms, aphids, flea beetles. Not deer-resistant. Non-toxic. Annual.Pruning
Harvest outer leaves by cut-and-come-again starting at 30-35 days, or harvest the full plant at 60-75 days. Remove bolting stalks and flower buds. Remove yellowed or pest-damaged leaves.Maintenance Level
lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons
⚠️ Toxicity Warning
Non-toxicPlanting Guide
Planting Methods & Timing
Planting Method
both
Indoor Start
4 weeks before last frost
Direct Sow Timing
Early spring 2-4 weeks before last frost; again in late summer 10-12 weeks before first fall frost. Bolts in sustained heat above 80 degrees F (27 degrees C).
Days to Maturity
60–75 days
Plant Spacing
12 inches
Companion Planting
Avoid Planting With