How to Grow Kale, Sunburst Lacinato
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Kale, Sunburst Lacinato
Brassica oleracea var. laciniata
vegetableSunburst Lacinato is a striking dark green kale variety with deeply textured, lacinato (dinosaur-like) leaves arranged in a compact, upright rosette. Known for its excellent flavor—sweeter and more tender than curly kale—and superior cold hardiness, it improves in taste after frost. This ornamental-looking brassica is both nutritious and visually stunning in the garden.
When should you plant Kale, Sunburst Lacinato in your zone?
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Example Kale, Sunburst Lacinato timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Kale, Sunburst Lacinato
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Kale, Sunburst Lacinato
Around Jun 11≈ 55 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-9; excellent cold tolerance makes it ideal for fall and winter harvest in most regions
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Get my Kale, Sunburst Lacinato timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
7-14 daysTiny, oval leaves emerge; plant develops true leaves (textured lacinato characteristics begin to show)
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light (grow lights if indoors). Thin seedlings to 2-3 inches apart if direct seeded. Protect from damping off with good air circulation.
Vegetative/Juvenile
3-4 weeksRosette forms with 4-8 deeply textured leaves; compact growth begins; dark green color intensifies
Begin fertilizing every 2-3 weeks with balanced or high-nitrogen fertilizer. Ensure consistent watering and adequate sunlight. Remove any yellowed or damaged outer leaves. Thin to final spacing (18-24 inches) if needed.
Leaf Development & Growth
3-4 weeksPlant reaches 12-18 inches tall; rosette expands with more deeply lacinated leaves; compact mounding habit evident
Maintain consistent moisture and weekly feeding if in containers. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and keep soil cool. Monitor for pests (especially cabbage moths and aphids). Thin lower leaves as needed for airflow.
Pre-Harvest Maturity
2-3 weeks before first harvestFull-sized plant (18-24 inches tall and wide) with abundant, deeply textured lacinato leaves; flavor improves with frost exposure
Stop heavy fertilizing 2 weeks before harvest. Continue consistent watering. Light frost actually improves sweetness and texture—allow plants to experience cold nights if possible. Leaves darken and become even more tender.
Harvest & Continued Production
4-12+ weeks (ongoing harvest)Outer leaves ready for picking; plant continues producing new central leaves; maintains compact shape with repeated harvesting
Begin harvesting outer leaves when 6-8 inches long. Continue light feeding every 2-3 weeks if harvesting over multiple weeks. Plants can produce for 4-6 months or until hard frost. Remove any yellow or damaged leaves.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Use row covers on young plants; handpick caterpillars; spray with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt); encourage parasitic wasps
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Strong water spray to dislodge; insecticidal soap; neem oil; encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings
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Row covers on seedlings; neem oil; insecticidal soap; diatomaceous earth; resistant varieties reduce damage
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Handpick; Bt spray; row covers; encourage natural predators; inspect and remove egg clusters on leaf undersides
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Yellow sticky traps; strong water spray; insecticidal soap; neem oil; avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen
Uses
Nutrient-Dense Salads & Raw Consumption
CulinarySunburst Lacinato's tender texture and naturally sweet flavor make it exceptional for raw consumption in salads, smoothies, and slaws compared to curly varieties. The deeply textured leaves massage easily and don't become as tough as other kales when dressed with acidic vinaigrettes. [source]
Cooking & Culinary Applications
CulinaryExcellent for sautéing, steaming, braising, or adding to soups due to its tender leaves and sweet, earthy flavor. The lacinato texture holds sauces well and doesn't become stringy or overly bitter when cooked, making it versatile for Italian and Mediterranean dishes. [source]
High Nutritional & Phytonutrient Content
MedicinalKale is exceptionally rich in vitamins A, C, and K, plus glucosinolates (compounds with potential anti-cancer properties) and lutein for eye health. Regular consumption supports immune function, bone health, and cardiovascular wellness. [source]
Ornamental Garden Display
HouseholdThe striking blue-green, deeply textured lacinato leaves with a compact, upright growth habit make Sunburst a decorative addition to vegetable gardens, edible landscapes, and containers. It provides season-long visual interest and looks beautiful in fall and winter gardens. [source]
Beneficial Insect Attraction
WildlifeKale flowers (if left to bolt) attract pollinators and beneficial insects like bees, parasitic wasps, and ladybugs. The plant supports integrated pest management by encouraging natural predators of garden pests. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Begin harvesting outer leaves when they reach 6-8 inches long, typically 55-75 days from planting. Pinch or cut leaves from the bottom and sides, leaving the central growing crown intact. Harvest regularly to encourage continued production. Morning harvest after frost creates maximum sweetness and crispness. Plants can yield leaves for 4-6 months. Flavor improves significantly after the first frost—plants can tolerate temperatures down to 0°F. Leaves are most tender when harvested young and become tougher if left on the plant too long.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Lacinato kale is also called 'dinosaur kale' because its deeply textured, bumpy leaves resemble dinosaur skin—a name that delights gardeners and children alike.
- 🌱 Frost actually improves kale's flavor by converting starches into sugars, making Sunburst Lacinato sweeter and more tender after a freeze. Many gardeners wait for the first frost before harvesting.
- 🌱 Sunburst Lacinato is one of the most cold-hardy edible plants, surviving temperatures as low as 0°F and even thriving in unheated high tunnels through winter in cold climates.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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