Details

Approximate Seeds Per Packet

143

Lifecycle

Biennial

Perennial Hardiness Zone

Annual Hardiness

Hardy Annual

Mature Size

2' h x 2' w

Sun

Full sun to partial shade

Soil

Rich, moist, well-drained

Season

Summer to fall

Color

Charcoal green foliage

Features

Great for containers

Notable

Certified Organic Seed Available

SOWING INSTRUCTIONS

Depth:

1/4-1/2"

Sprout Time:

5-10 days

Seed To Bloom:

50-60 days to harvest (30 baby)

Starting Indoors:

Sow indoors 4 weeks before planting out in early spring. Keep at 60-65°F.

Starting Outdoors:

Direct sow in early spring, and again 6-8 weeks before the first fall frost for a late season crop.

WHEN TO SET OUTSIDE

In springtime, when there is still a chance for frost.

PLACEMENT & CULTIVATION

Heirloom kale Nero de Toscana has dark blue-green strap leaves that are delicious and nutritious additions to fresh salads, soups, and stews. Grow plenty and harvest some at baby stage to eat fresh, leave others to grow big, picking individual medium-sized leaves for cooking. Add mulch for harvest into the winter months—an ornamental edible for containers, veggie gardens, and mixed borders.

Final Spacing:

1-1.5'

Water Requirements:

Medium Water Use

Watering Details:

About 1" per week.

Soil pH:

Slightly acidic

Fertilizer:

Mix in 2-4" inches of compost prior to planting. Add an application of time release, balanced organic fertilizer.

Diseases & Pests:

If aphids appear, hose down plants daily, and spray with an insecticidal soap if necessary. Cabbage worm and flea beetle leaf damage is best avoided by covering with light row cloth in early spring. Growing mint nearby can help deter these pests.