How to Grow Tuscany Kale
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Tuscany Kale
Brassica oleracea var. acephala
vegetableTuscany kale, also known as Lacinato or Dinosaur kale, is a dark leafy green vegetable with deeply textured, blue-green leaves that resemble a dinosaur's skin. It's a cold-hardy brassica that becomes sweeter after frost and is prized for its tender texture and nutty flavor.
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Example Tuscany Kale timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Tuscany 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 Tuscany Kale
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Tuscany Kale dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-10; prefers cooler climates but can be grown year-round in many regions
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Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny plants with 2-4 true leaves; delicate and light green
Keep soil moist but not wet. Provide consistent temperatures (60-70°F). Thin seedlings to proper spacing once they have 2-3 true leaves
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksPlants establish strong root systems and begin forming characteristic deeply textured leaves; growth is rapid
Maintain consistent watering and feed with balanced fertilizer or compost tea every 3-4 weeks. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature
Leaf Development
3-4 weeksPlants develop more and larger leaves; the distinctive blue-green, textured foliage becomes prominent
Continue regular watering and fertilizing. Scout for pests weekly. Remove any yellowed or damaged lower leaves
Mature/Harvestable
4-8 weeks or more with continuous harvestingPlant reaches full size with many harvestable leaves; becomes sweeter after exposure to frost or cold temperatures
Begin harvesting outer leaves regularly to encourage continued production. Cold exposure improves flavor; harvest after light frosts for best sweetness
Late Season
8+ weeksPlant continues producing through fall and winter in cold climates; may bolt if exposed to prolonged warmth in spring
Harvest regularly to prevent bolting. In warm climates, provide afternoon shade to delay flowering. Cold-hardy varieties can overwinter in many zones
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Use floating row covers when young, hand-pick caterpillars, apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), spray with neem oil
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Use row covers on young plants, apply diatomaceous earth, use insecticidal soap or neem oil
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Hand-pick caterpillars, apply Bt spray, use row covers, encourage beneficial insects
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Spray with strong water stream, apply neem oil, insecticidal soap, or introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs
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Use yellow sticky traps, apply insecticidal soap, spray with neem oil, encourage natural predators
Uses
Salads, Sautés & Cooking
CulinaryTuscany kale is versatile in the kitchen, suitable for raw salads, sautéed with garlic and olive oil, added to soups and stews, or massaged with oil for tender raw preparations. Its tender texture and nutty flavor make it less bitter than many other kales. [source]
Nutritional & Anti-inflammatory Benefits
MedicinalKale is an excellent source of vitamins K, A, and C, along with minerals like calcium and iron. It contains glucosinolates and other compounds with potential anti-inflammatory and detoxification properties. [source]
Smoothies & Juices
HouseholdTuscany kale's milder flavor makes it ideal for blending into green smoothies, fresh juices, and nutritional beverages without overpowering other ingredients. [source]
Dehydrated Chips & Snacks
HouseholdKale leaves can be tossed with oil and seasoning, then dehydrated or baked into crispy kale chips—a popular healthy snack alternative to traditional potato chips. [source]
Butterfly & Pollinator Garden
WildlifeIf allowed to bolt and flower, kale produces small yellow flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators to the garden. [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 plants are 6-8 inches tall by pinching or cutting them at the base. Harvest regularly to encourage continuous production. Leaves are most tender when young and become sweeter after light frost. Can be harvested over several weeks or months. In warm climates, harvest in early morning before heat of day
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Tuscany kale is also called 'Dinosaur kale' or 'Lacinato kale' because its deeply textured leaves resemble dinosaur skin
- 🌱 Kale becomes sweeter after exposure to frost—cold temperatures convert starches to sugars, making fall and winter harvests especially delicious
- 🌱 Tuscany kale was popularized in trendy superfood culture in the 2000s but has been grown in Italian gardens for centuries, making it a heritage vegetable with deep cultural roots
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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