Kale Lacinato, also known as Nero di Toscana palm cabbage, is a variety with long, narrow, curved leaves that cluster at the top of the stem. This cabbage is not only delicious, but also decorative, reaching a maximum height of 1.50 m.

How to successfully sow Lacinato kale or Nero di Toscana palm kale

Sow seeds 0.5 cm deep from May to mid-July, in a nursery bed 1 cm deep. Do not compact the soil to allow the seedlings to reach the light more easily.
To germinate, kale seeds require a temperature of 20°C for about 10 days.

Planting kale

Transplant in place when the plants have 4 leaves, at a distance of 80 cm in all directions, in fertile, deep, fresh and humus-rich soil, in a sunny location.
Mulching and watering at the base is recommended. Protect with a winter fleece if severe frost is expected.

Kale thrives in rich, clayey soils, but can grow in most soils as long as they remain moist.

Harvest

Kale leaves are harvested from October to mid-February, as frost makes the leaves more tender.

The enemies

Slugs : Set up slug barriers around crops.

White butterfly : spray with tansy decoctions or install an insect net.