Lacinato

Lacinato kale, also known as Dinosaur Kale or Tuscan Kale, is a cold-hardy, nutrient-rich variety famous for its unique, dark green leaves with a deeply textured, bumpy appearance. This variety is known for its sweet flavor and is often used in traditional Italian dishes. It has a more mild taste compared to other kale varieties and is a favorite for its tender leaves, making it suitable for both cooking and raw consumption.

Key Benefits

• Mild and Tender Flavor: Lacinato kale has a sweeter and milder flavor compared to curly-leaf kale varieties, making it ideal for salads, juices, and smoothies. It is also commonly used in cooking, especially in Italian dishes like minestrone soup and pasta.
• Nutrient Dense: Like all kale, Lacinato is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium, iron, and fiber. It's a fantastic addition to any diet for boosting overall health and immunity.
• Cold-Hardy: Lacinato kale thrives in cool weather and can tolerate frost, which can even enhance the flavor, making it perfect for fall and winter gardening.
• Versatile: The flat, elongated leaves are perfect for sautéing, stir-fries, and soups. It’s also delicious when massaged with olive oil and lemon to make raw kale salads.
• Resistant to Pests: Lacinato kale is generally less prone to pest issues compared to other kale types, making it an easier variety to grow organically.

Planting Instructions

Planting Season

• Plant Lacinato kale in early spring or late summer/early fall for a winter harvest. Kale thrives in cool conditions, and it can handle light frosts, which actually sweeten the leaves.

Planting Details

• Seed Depth: Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep into the soil.
• Spacing: Space seeds about 12-18 inches apart in rows that are approximately 18-24 inches apart. This provides enough room for the plant to grow strong and healthy, with proper air circulation.
• Sunlight: Plant in full sun for the best growth, although Lacinato kale can tolerate partial shade, especially in warmer climates.

Care Instructions

Watering

• Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Kale prefers regular watering, especially in warm weather, but it's essential that the soil drains well to prevent root rot.

Fertilizing

• Amend the soil with organic compost before planting to boost soil fertility. Side-dress the plants with balanced fertilizer during the growing season, especially when the plants are producing new leaves.

Mulching

• Applying mulch helps retain moisture and suppresses weeds, keeping the roots cool and healthy during the growing season.

Pest and Disease Control

• Lacinato kale is relatively resistant to pests, but you should still keep an eye out for common pests like aphids, cabbage worms, and slugs.
• Use natural pest controls such as neem oil, diatomaceous earth, or companion planting with herbs like dill or mint to deter pests.
• To avoid diseases like downy mildew and powdery mildew, ensure that the plants have plenty of air circulation and avoid overhead watering.

Harvesting

• Baby Greens: Harvest young, tender leaves about 30-40 days after sowing for delicious baby kale, which can be used in salads or smoothies.
• Mature Leaves: For mature leaves, harvest around 60-75 days. Start from the outer leaves and work your way toward the center of the plant, allowing the inner leaves to continue growing.

Additional Notes

• Taste: Lacinato kale has a mild, sweet, and earthy flavor, which becomes even sweeter after exposure to frost. This makes it one of the most popular kale varieties for raw applications like salads.
• Storage: Fresh kale can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. It can also be blanched and frozen for long-term storage.
• Companion Planting: Lacinato kale benefits from being planted near herbs, peas, and radishes. Avoid planting it with other brassicas like cabbage and broccoli to prevent competition for nutrients.

Conclusion

Lacinato Kale is a versatile, nutrient-dense variety that’s perfect for gardeners looking to grow cold-tolerant greens. Its mild flavor, sweet taste after frost, and nutrient-packed leaves make it an excellent choice for both cooking and eating raw. Whether you’re looking to add to your salad, stew, or soup, Lacinato kale is a great addition to your garden and diet.