How to Grow Lacinato Kale
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Lacinato Kale
Brassica oleracea var. palmifolia
vegetableLacinato kale, also called dinosaur kale or Tuscan kale, is a cold-hardy cruciferous vegetable prized for its deeply textured, blue-green leaves and sweet, tender flavor. The elongated, crinkled leaves develop a distinctive bumpy appearance and become sweeter after a frost. It's more tender and flavorful than curly kale, making it popular for fresh eating, smoothies, and cooking.
When should you plant Lacinato Kale in your zone?
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Example Lacinato Kale timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Lacinato Kale
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 Lacinato Kale
Around Jun 6≈ 50 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Lacinato Kale dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-9; particularly cold-hardy and flavor improves significantly after light frost
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Get my Lacinato Kale timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
10-14 daysTiny true leaves emerge above rounded cotyledons. Plants are delicate with thin stems.
Maintain consistent moisture and 70°F soil temperature. Provide grow lights 14-16 hours daily if starting indoors. Avoid damping off by ensuring good air circulation.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksFirst true leaves expand; characteristic bumpy texture begins to develop. Plant grows taller with multiple leaf nodes forming.
Harden off seedlings gradually if transplanting. Water consistently. Begin monthly compost or balanced fertilizer applications. Thin seedlings to proper spacing or transplant at 4-6 weeks.
Leaf Development
4-6 weeksPlant establishes strong root system and produces abundant deeply textured, blue-green leaves. Leaves become larger and more crinkled.
Apply nitrogen-rich fertilizer every 3-4 weeks. Mulch around base to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Remove any yellow or damaged lower leaves.
Mature Growth
4-8 weeks or longerPlant reaches full size (18-36 inches tall) with abundant harvestable leaves. After first frost, flavor improves as starches convert to sugars.
Continue consistent watering and fertilizing. Harvest outer leaves regularly to encourage production. Frost actually improves sweetness—avoid heavy harvesting in late fall to allow plant recovery.
Extended Harvest
8+ weeksPlant continues producing harvestable leaves through cool season and into spring in mild climates.
Harvest outer leaves only, leaving central growing point intact. Light fertilizer applications support continued production. In harsh winters, plant may go dormant but regrow in spring.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Row covers on young plants; Bacillus thuringiensis (BT); handpicking; companion planting with dill or thyme
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Netting or row covers; BT spray; parasitic wasps; spinosad if severe
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Row covers early season; neem oil; diatomaceous earth; reflective mulches
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Strong water spray; insecticidal soap; neem oil; release of ladybugs or lacewings
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Yellow sticky traps; insecticidal soap; neem oil; parasitic wasps
Uses
Fresh eating and salads
CulinaryLacinato kale's tender texture and sweet, mild flavor make it superior to curly kale for raw salads, especially when young or after frost. Massage with olive oil and lemon to soften leaves and improve digestibility. [source]
Smoothies and juices
CulinaryThe sweet flavor and tender leaves make lacinato kale an excellent choice for blending into smoothies and fresh juices without excessive bitterness. Blends smoothly with fruits like pineapple, apple, and banana. [source]
Cooking and Italian cuisine
CulinaryAlso called Tuscan kale, it's a classic ingredient in Italian dishes like ribollita (Tuscan bread soup) and sautés. Its delicate flavor holds up well to garlic, olive oil, and pasta preparations. [source]
Nutritional and cancer-fighting properties
MedicinalLacinato kale is exceptionally rich in vitamins K, A, C, and minerals including calcium and iron. Contains glucosinolates and sulforaphane compounds studied for potential cancer-fighting properties. [source]
Kale chips
CulinaryTender lacinato leaves are ideal for making crispy baked kale chips. Toss with olive oil and seasonings, then bake at 375°F until crispy for a nutritious snack. [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 plant is 8-10 inches tall (about 6-8 weeks after transplanting). Pinch or cut leaves from bottom up, leaving central growth point intact for continued production. Leaves are most tender when 6-12 inches long. Harvest regularly to encourage bushier growth. Flavor improves significantly after a light frost as sugars increase. Can be harvested continuously through fall and into spring in mild climates. For baby kale, harvest at 4-6 weeks when leaves are 3-4 inches.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Lacinato kale's nickname 'dinosaur kale' comes from its bumpy, textured leaves that resemble dinosaur skin. The French name 'Palmifolia' literally means 'palm-shaped leaf' for its distinctive form.
- 🌱 The flavor of lacinato kale actually improves after frost; cold temperatures convert starches to sugars, making the leaves sweeter and more tender. This is why fall and winter are the best harvest seasons.
- 🌱 Lacinato kale was documented in Italy as early as the 18th century and remains a staple of Tuscan cuisine. It's far less fibrous and bitter than curly kale, making it the preferred culinary kale among chefs.
Gardening Terms
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