How to Grow Tuscan Kale
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Tuscan Kale
Brassica oleracea var. acephala 'Lacinato'
vegetableTuscan kale, also called Lacinato or dinosaur kale, is a dark blue-green leafy vegetable with deeply textured, narrow leaves that resemble a dinosaur's skin. It has a sweeter, more tender flavor than curly kale and is rich in nutrients. This heirloom Italian variety is a staple in Mediterranean cuisine and grows as a cool-season crop.
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Example Tuscan Kale timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Tuscan 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 Tuscan Kale
Around Jun 6≈ 50 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Tuscan Kale dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-10; best production in zones 5-9
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Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny heart-shaped cotyledons emerge, followed by the first true leaves. Plants are delicate and vulnerable.
Keep soil consistently moist. Maintain temperatures between 60-70°F. Provide bright light to prevent leggy growth. Thin seedlings to prevent crowding.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlant develops its characteristic textured leaves. Plants become bushier and establish a strong root system. Leaves deepen in color.
Water deeply and consistently. Mulch around the base. Apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Pinch off any flower buds to encourage leaf production.
Leaf Development & Expansion
3-4 weeksLeaves grow larger and more deeply lobed. The plant takes on its full bushy form with numerous harvestable leaves.
Continue regular watering and feeding. Monitor for pests. Remove any yellowing or damaged lower leaves. Maintain consistent moisture for tender leaves.
Mature & Harvestable
4-8+ weeksPlant reaches full size with abundant, darkly colored, textured leaves ready for harvest. Can continue producing throughout the season.
Begin harvesting outer leaves. Continue watering and light feeding. Kale actually becomes sweeter after a frost. Monitor for bolting in spring plantings.
Post-Harvest / Extended Production
Ongoing until frost or boltingPlant continues producing new leaves from the center as outer leaves are harvested. In mild climates, production can extend into winter.
Continue regular harvesting to encourage new growth. Water during dry spells. Protect from hard freezes in colder zones. Remove any bolting flower stalks.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Use row covers over young plants. Hand-pick caterpillars. Apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray. Encourage beneficial insects like parasitic wasps.
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Spray with strong water jet to dislodge. Use insecticidal soap. Apply neem oil. Introduce ladybugs and lacewings.
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Use row covers on seedlings. Dust with food-grade diatomaceous earth. Apply neem oil. Plant trap crops nearby.
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Increase humidity with regular misting. Spray with water to remove mites. Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap if severe.
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Use yellow sticky traps. Spray with insecticidal soap. Apply neem oil. Introduce beneficial parasitic wasps.
Uses
Raw salads and smoothies
CulinaryTuscan kale's tender leaves and mild flavor make it ideal for eating raw in salads, smoothies, and juices. Unlike curly kale, it doesn't require extensive massage to soften. [source]
Sautéing, soups, and Italian dishes
CulinaryCommonly used in Italian cuisine, especially in Tuscan minestrone soup and pasta dishes. The leaves hold up well to cooking and become tender with gentle heat. [source]
Nutritional powerhouse
MedicinalExtremely high in vitamins A, C, and K, calcium, and antioxidants including sulforaphane. One cup provides over 100% of daily vitamin K requirements, supporting bone health and blood clotting. [source]
Detoxification and digestive support
HouseholdContains glucosinolates that support liver detoxification pathways and provide prebiotic fiber for healthy digestion and gut bacteria. [source]
Pollinator and beneficial insect support
WildlifeWhen allowed to bolt and flower, kale produces delicate yellow flowers that attract bees and other pollinators. The plant also hosts beneficial parasitic wasps that prey on 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 when leaves are 8-12 inches long, typically 50-80 days after planting. Pinch or cut outer leaves from the bottom of the plant, leaving the central growing point intact for continued production. Harvest regularly to encourage new leaf growth. Kale becomes sweeter and more tender after exposure to frost, making fall/winter harvests especially flavorful. Can harvest continuously for 3-6 months with proper care.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Tuscan kale is called 'dinosaur kale' because its deeply textured, bumpy leaves resemble dinosaur skin—the Italian name 'Lacinato' refers to these jagged, deeply lobed leaves.
- 🌱 Kale becomes noticeably sweeter after frost; sugars concentrate in the leaves as the plant produces antifreeze-like compounds to protect itself from freezing temperatures, making winter kale especially prized.
- 🌱 Tuscan kale is a centuries-old Italian heirloom vegetable that thrives in the cool, Mediterranean climate of Tuscany, and was traditionally grown year-round in Italian gardens for reliable winter harvests.
Gardening Terms
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