Buy Lacinato Kale Seeds: Heirloom Dinosaur Kale

Lacinato Kale Seeds: Grow the Best Dinosaur Kale in Your Garden

Lacinato Kale Seeds, also known as Dinosaur Kale Seeds, are a must-have for any serious gardener looking to grow a nutritious, versatile, and visually striking vegetable. This heirloom variety, often referred to as Tuscan Kale or Black Kale, is renowned for its rich flavour, dark green leaves, and cold-hardiness, making it an excellent choice for both home gardens and small farms.

What Are Lacinato Kale Seeds?

Lacinato Kale, also known as Nero di Toscana Kale, is an heirloom variety that has been cultivated in Italy for centuries. Its long, dark leaves have a wrinkled texture reminiscent of dinosaur skin, which is why it’s commonly referred to as Dinosaur Kale. This kale variety is particularly favoured in Italian cuisine, where it’s used in traditional dishes like ribollita, a hearty Tuscan soup.

Why Choose Lacinato Kale Seeds?

Lacinato Kale Seeds offer several unique benefits that make them a standout choice for gardeners:

• Cold-Hardy & Resilient: This variety is exceptionally cold-hardy, thriving in cool temperatures. In fact, a light frost can enhance its flavour, making it sweeter and more tender.
• Rich in Nutrients: Lacinato Kale is a powerhouse of vitamins A, C, and K, along with antioxidants and fibre. Its dense nutritional profile makes it a popular choice among health-conscious gardeners.
• Versatile in the Kitchen: The slightly bitter yet sweet flavour of Lacinato Kale makes it perfect for a variety of dishes, from fresh salads and green smoothies to hearty soups and stir-fries.

How to Grow Lacinato Kale from Seeds

Growing Lacinato Kale from seeds is straightforward and rewarding. Follow these steps for a bountiful harvest:

• Soil Preparation: Plant Lacinato Kale Seeds in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Enrich the soil with compost or organic matter to promote strong growth.
• Planting Time: Sow seeds directly in the garden in early spring or late summer for a fall harvest. Lacinato Kale can tolerate frost, so it’s perfect for extending your growing season into the cooler months.
• Sunlight & Watering: Ensure your kale receives full sun to partial shade, with at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. Water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
• Spacing: Space the seeds about 12 to 18 inches apart to give the plants room to grow. Lacinato Kale can reach up to 3 feet in height, so adequate spacing is essential.

For information on growing kale, refer to our thorough guide: How to Grow Kale: A Comprehensive Guide.

Harvesting & Using Lacinato Kale

Lacinato Kale is ready for harvest about 55 to 75 days after planting. Begin harvesting the outer leaves when they reach about 10 to 12 inches long, leaving the inner leaves to continue growing. The plant will keep producing new leaves, providing you with a continuous harvest throughout the growing season.

Culinary Uses: Lacinato Kale’s robust flavour shines in a variety of dishes. It’s ideal for fresh salads, adding a satisfying crunch. It’s also great in smoothies, where its slightly bitter taste pairs well with sweet fruits. For cooked dishes, try it in soups, sautéed with garlic, or as a healthy addition to pasta.

Why Lacinato Kale is a Garden Essential

Adding Lacinato Kale to your garden is more than just growing a vegetable—it’s cultivating a piece of history. Known for its deep green, almost black leaves, this kale variety not only enhances the nutritional value of your meals but also adds a touch of elegance to your garden. Its resilience in cooler temperatures and its long growing season make it a valuable addition to any garden, especially in regions with shorter summers.

Where to Buy Lacinato Kale Seeds

Ready to add Lacinato Kale to your garden? Purchase high-quality Lacinato Kale Seeds, also known as Dinosaur Kale Seeds, from our trusted affiliate partner [Insert Affiliate Link]. These seeds are selected for their germination rate and disease resistance, ensuring a healthy and productive garden.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lacinato Kale Seeds

What is Lacinato Kale, and why is it called Dinosaur Kale?
Lacinato Kale, also known as Dinosaur Kale due to its bumpy, textured leaves that resemble dinosaur skin, is an heirloom variety popular in Italian cuisine. This kale variety is also referred to as Tuscan Kale or Nero di Toscana Kale. It’s known for its dark green, almost black leaves and its ability to thrive in cooler climates.

How do I grow Lacinato Kale from seeds?
Growing Lacinato Kale from seeds is simple and rewarding. Start by planting the seeds in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Sow seeds directly in the garden in early spring or late summer for a fall harvest. Ensure the plants get full sun to partial shade and keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. With the right care, you can begin harvesting the outer leaves in about 55 to 75 days.

Is Lacinato Kale good for cold-weather gardening?
Yes, Lacinato Kale is excellent for cold-weather gardening. This variety is exceptionally cold-hardy and can even withstand frost, which often enhances its flavour. It’s a great choice for extending your harvest season into the cooler months, making it a favourite among gardeners in colder climates.

What are the health benefits of Lacinato Kale?
Lacinato Kale is packed with essential nutrients, making it a superfood. It’s rich in vitamins A, C, and K, antioxidants, and fibre. These nutrients support immune function, promote healthy skin, and improve bone strength. Incorporating Lacinato Kale into your diet can contribute to overall health and well-being.

How do I use Lacinato Kale in cooking?
Lacinato Kale is versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. Its slightly bitter, yet sweet flavour makes it perfect for fresh salads, green smoothies, and hearty soups. It can also be sautéed, baked into kale chips, or added to pasta and stir-fries. This kale variety holds its texture well, making it a favourite for many culinary applications.

Can Lacinato Kale be grown in containers?
Yes, Lacinato Kale can be successfully grown in containers. Choose a large pot with good drainage and fill it with high-quality potting soil. Place the container in a location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. Water regularly to keep the soil moist. Growing kale in containers is a great option for those with limited garden space or for urban gardening.

Where can I buy Lacinato Kale Seeds?
You can purchase high-quality Lacinato Kale Seeds from our recommended affiliate partner using the link at the top of the page. These seeds are selected for their high germination rates and disease resistance, ensuring a healthy and productive garden.

When is the best time to harvest Lacinato Kale?
The best time to harvest Lacinato Kale is when the leaves are about 10 to 12 inches long. Start by picking the outer leaves, leaving the inner leaves to continue growing. This method allows you to enjoy a continuous harvest throughout the growing season. Lacinato Kale can be harvested after a light frost, which improves its flavour and tenderness.

What makes Lacinato Kale different from other kale varieties?
Lacinato Kale, also known as Dinosaur Kale or Tuscan Kale, differs from other kale varieties due to its long, dark green, bumpy leaves and its rich, slightly sweet flavour. It’s an heirloom variety with a long history in Italian cuisine and is known for its cold-hardiness and nutritional density. Its unique texture and taste make it a standout choice for many gardeners and cooks.

How do I store Lacinato Kale after harvesting?
To store Lacinato Kale, rinse the leaves thoroughly and dry them completely. Store them in an airtight container or a plastic bag with a few holes for ventilation. Keep the kale in the refrigerator, where it can stay fresh for up to a week. If you want to store it for a longer period, you can blanch and freeze the leaves for later use.