Nero di Tuscana Lacinato Kale

Also known as Lacinato and Cavolo Palmizio (‘palm-leaved cabbage’). ‘Tuscan Black’ kale was described by Vilmorin-Andrieux in 1885 and traced back to the 18th century by William Woys Weaver who calls it “one of the most beautiful kales to grace any kitchen garden” and suggests interplanting with a vivid green lettuce for a spectacular color combination. Elemental, a stripped-down version of kale shaped like a miniature palm tree about 18" high in poor soils, about twice that in good. Very dark green wrinkled strap-like leaves appear almost black at a distance, looking minimalist compared with the lush curly-leaved kales. Its tough leaf strength makes it very sturdy for distributing into CSA boxes. Also used for microgreens. Delicious and nutritious as well as adapted to a wide temperature range, its sweet mild flavor improves after frost. According to Vermont grower Alan LePage, it demands more fertility than other kales. If it is looking anemic after the summer flea beetle invasions, LePage recommends sidedressing it with fertilizer or compost. Using this treatment, he’s grown 6' plants!