Kale
Nero Di Toscana Kale
KL363
50 days. This eye-catching kale is also known as Black Palm, as it does resemble a palm tree. The very dark green leaves are 2-3 inches wide and 10 inches long, and have a blistered/crumply appearance. Growing upright and open, this kale is dual purpose. It's great to eat and it is a striking ornamental. A cross between cabbage and kale, it is extremely winter hardy, becoming very sweet and full of flavor after a freeze. Popular in Tuscany and central Italy where it is used in soups and stews.
Winter Growing Information
Open Pollinated
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"Brassica oleracea, Acephala Group: People across the country are discovering the huge health benefits of eating kale. It was one of the earliest cultivated brassicas and is very closely related to collards. The succulent, mild flavor of kale is a wonderful addition to salads and stir-fries. There are two main groups of cultivars in kale: the Scotch group that has very curly leaves, and the Siberian group or Brassica oleracea var. fimbriata, that includes the Russian types. Kale adds color and visual appeal to any garden.
CULTURE: Kale is a short-season crop that performs best in cool weather and can tolerate frost when established. SPRING CULTURE: To start indoors, Start indoors or in the greenhouse about the first of February for transplanting in mid-March. Sow the seed in a sterile seedling mix, 1/4 inch deep, in individual pots. The optimum soil temperature range is 55-75°F. Days to emergence: 5-17. Keep the seedlings moist, and provide adequate nutrition. Harden off seedlings in a cold frame prior to transplanting. Set the seedlings 12-24 inches apart, in rows 18-36 inches apart. Side-dress with 1/2 cup blood meal or composted chicken manure. Young seedlings may be covered with a cloche or row cover such as Gro-Therm or Reemay. Be watchful for early hot spells, because covers can create too much heat if left unchecked.
Direct seed in May, or after the danger of hard frost. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep, about 4-6 inches inch apart, in rows 18-36 inches apart. Cover the seed with fine vermiculite or sifted compost for best germination. Keep moist to prevent soil crusting. Optimum soil temperature range for germination: 55-75°F. Days to emergence: 5-17. After plants produce their third true leaf, thin to about 12-24 inches apart, maintaining the strongest plants. These early thinnings are wonderful for fresh salad greens. Now apply 1/4 to 1/2 cup of our complete fertilizer, or equivalent, into the soil around each young plant to provide the nutrition necessary for optimum production.
FALL & WINTER CULTURE: Sow seed just after the 4th of July. Consult our winter catalog or our website for complete cultural information.
INSECTS: See Brassica Insect Information below.
DISEASES: Generally not a problem.
HARVEST: The outer leaves can be picked when they are about 8-10 inches long. Avoid picking the inner leaves to prevent damaging the growing point. Cool quickly and store at 32°F and 100% humidity. A light frost will bring out the sweetness.
SEED SPECS: Minimum germination standard: 75%. Days to maturity are calculated from date of direct seeding; subtract 15 days if transplanting. Usual seed life: 3 years. Approximately 300 seeds per gram, 28 grams per ounce.
Sampler: 1 gram.
Packet: 5 grams.
Unless otherwise noted.
Brassica Insect Information
Aphids: Control aphids with a hard spray of water, Hot Pepper Wax, Insect Killing Soap, or Pyrethrin. Also, select varieties that mature later in the season when aphid populations decline.
Cabbage worms, loopers, and root maggots: The first sign of cabbage worms will be white diamond-back moths fluttering near the plants. They lay eggs in the soil, which hatch into worms that can cause severe root and head damage. To control light infestations, spray plants with Bacillus thuringiensis (BT). For heavy infestations, bait cabbage worms by mixing wheat bran into a BT solution. Add 1 tablespoon of molasses. Broadcast the bran mixture around the base of plants. Reapply as necessary. Using Reemay or Grow Guard 20, can also provide control.
Flea beetles: Flea beetles chew tiny pinholes in leaves. Early control is essential to minimize the damage. Spray young plants with Pyrethrin every 2 days. Using floating row covers such as Summer Insect Barrier can also provide control.
Symphylans: In some areas of the US, symphylans (also known as garden centipede) can severely retard the plant growth of cole crops. Only 1/4 inch long, white, and very active, they eat the root hairs of developing plants. Contact your local county extension agent if you suspect you have a problem."
CULTURE: Kale is a short-season crop that performs best in cool weather and can tolerate frost when established. SPRING CULTURE: To start indoors, Start indoors or in the greenhouse about the first of February for transplanting in mid-March. Sow the seed in a sterile seedling mix, 1/4 inch deep, in individual pots. The optimum soil temperature range is 55-75°F. Days to emergence: 5-17. Keep the seedlings moist, and provide adequate nutrition. Harden off seedlings in a cold frame prior to transplanting. Set the seedlings 12-24 inches apart, in rows 18-36 inches apart. Side-dress with 1/2 cup blood meal or composted chicken manure. Young seedlings may be covered with a cloche or row cover such as Gro-Therm or Reemay. Be watchful for early hot spells, because covers can create too much heat if left unchecked.
Direct seed in May, or after the danger of hard frost. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep, about 4-6 inches inch apart, in rows 18-36 inches apart. Cover the seed with fine vermiculite or sifted compost for best germination. Keep moist to prevent soil crusting. Optimum soil temperature range for germination: 55-75°F. Days to emergence: 5-17. After plants produce their third true leaf, thin to about 12-24 inches apart, maintaining the strongest plants. These early thinnings are wonderful for fresh salad greens. Now apply 1/4 to 1/2 cup of our complete fertilizer, or equivalent, into the soil around each young plant to provide the nutrition necessary for optimum production.
FALL & WINTER CULTURE: Sow seed just after the 4th of July. Consult our winter catalog or our website for complete cultural information.
INSECTS: See Brassica Insect Information below.
DISEASES: Generally not a problem.
HARVEST: The outer leaves can be picked when they are about 8-10 inches long. Avoid picking the inner leaves to prevent damaging the growing point. Cool quickly and store at 32°F and 100% humidity. A light frost will bring out the sweetness.
SEED SPECS: Minimum germination standard: 75%. Days to maturity are calculated from date of direct seeding; subtract 15 days if transplanting. Usual seed life: 3 years. Approximately 300 seeds per gram, 28 grams per ounce.
Sampler: 1 gram.
Packet: 5 grams.
Unless otherwise noted.
Brassica Insect Information
Aphids: Control aphids with a hard spray of water, Hot Pepper Wax, Insect Killing Soap, or Pyrethrin. Also, select varieties that mature later in the season when aphid populations decline.
Cabbage worms, loopers, and root maggots: The first sign of cabbage worms will be white diamond-back moths fluttering near the plants. They lay eggs in the soil, which hatch into worms that can cause severe root and head damage. To control light infestations, spray plants with Bacillus thuringiensis (BT). For heavy infestations, bait cabbage worms by mixing wheat bran into a BT solution. Add 1 tablespoon of molasses. Broadcast the bran mixture around the base of plants. Reapply as necessary. Using Reemay or Grow Guard 20, can also provide control.
Flea beetles: Flea beetles chew tiny pinholes in leaves. Early control is essential to minimize the damage. Spray young plants with Pyrethrin every 2 days. Using floating row covers such as Summer Insect Barrier can also provide control.
Symphylans: In some areas of the US, symphylans (also known as garden centipede) can severely retard the plant growth of cole crops. Only 1/4 inch long, white, and very active, they eat the root hairs of developing plants. Contact your local county extension agent if you suspect you have a problem."
