Tuscan Kale Seeds

Tuscan Kale, also known as Cavolo Nero or Lacinato kale, is a productive cool-season leafy vegetable that can provide repeated harvests from the same plant. It can be direct-sown or raised in seedling trays and transplanted once established.

When to Sow

Tuscan Kale is primarily a cool-season vegetable.

For many Australian gardens, the main sowing period is:

Late summer through autumn

This allows plants to establish and mature during cooler conditions.

Spring sowing can also work in cooler districts.

In subtropical, tropical and hot inland climates, concentrate sowing around the cooler part of the year and avoid establishing young plants during prolonged extreme heat.

Pre-Soak

No pre-soaking required.

Sow Tuscan Kale seed dry directly into seedling trays, pots or prepared garden soil.

Prepare the Soil

Tuscan Kale performs best in:

• fertile garden soil;
• raised vegetable beds;
• quality vegetable potting mix; or
• large containers with good drainage.

Before planting, improve poorer soils with compost or well-rotted organic matter where required.

The soil should hold useful moisture while allowing excess water to drain freely.

Sowing Depth

Sow approximately:

10mm deep

Avoid planting significantly deeper, particularly in heavy soil.

Raising Seedlings

1. Fill seedling cells or small pots with quality seed-raising mix.
2. Sow 1–2 seeds per cell approximately 10mm deep.
3. Cover lightly with growing medium.
4. Water gently.
5. Keep the mix consistently moist but not waterlogged.
6. Provide good light once seedlings emerge.
7. Thin to the strongest seedling where more than one plant establishes.
8. Transplant once seedlings are approximately 5–10cm tall and strong enough to handle.

Direct Sowing

Tuscan Kale can also be sown directly where it will grow.

1. Prepare a fine, weed-free seed bed.
2. Sow approximately 10mm deep.
3. Cover lightly with soil.
4. Water gently.
5. Keep the soil consistently moist during germination.
6. Thin seedlings as they establish.
7. Leave approximately 40–50cm between mature plants.

Germination

Expect germination in approximately:

3–7 days under suitable conditions

Cooler or less favourable conditions may extend germination.

Keep the soil consistently moist during this stage without keeping it waterlogged.

Germination Temperature

Tuscan Kale can germinate across a relatively broad soil-temperature range of approximately:

8–30°C

Moderate temperatures generally produce fast, reliable establishment.

Although the seed can germinate in warm soil, mature kale is fundamentally a cool-season crop and prolonged hot conditions can reduce leaf quality and encourage stress.

Spacing

For full-sized Tuscan Kale plants, allow approximately:

40–50cm between plants

Allow approximately:

50–60cm or more between rows

Around 50cm plant spacing provides good room for full-sized Cavolo Nero plants to develop.

Adequate spacing improves:

• airflow;
• light penetration;
• leaf development;
• access for harvesting; and
• pest inspection.

Position & Light

Grow Tuscan Kale in:

Full sun to light partial shade

Around 6 hours or more of direct sunlight per day is ideal where conditions permit.

In very warm Australian areas, some afternoon protection can help reduce heat stress and maintain leaf quality.

Watering

Maintain reasonably consistent soil moisture throughout active growth.

Water deeply rather than applying frequent shallow watering.

Allow the upper soil to begin drying slightly before watering again, but avoid repeatedly allowing the root zone to dry out completely.

For best results:

• water around the base of the plant;
• avoid permanently saturated soil;
• ensure excess water can drain freely;
• water more frequently during hot or windy conditions; and
• mulch established plants where useful to conserve soil moisture.

Feeding

Tuscan Kale is a leafy brassica and responds well to fertile soil.

Before planting:

• incorporate compost or well-rotted organic matter where required; and
• prepare the soil thoroughly.

If additional feeding is needed during an extended growing period, use an appropriate vegetable or leafy-green fertiliser according to the product directions.

Avoid excessive fertiliser application.

Harvest

Expect mature harvesting from approximately:

55–65 days from sowing

Tender younger leaves can be picked earlier.

For repeated harvesting:

1. Select the largest healthy outside leaves.
2. Cut or snap them cleanly from the plant.
3. Leave the central growing point intact.
4. Allow the younger central leaves to continue developing.
5. Repeat harvesting as new foliage reaches useful size.

Avoid removing too much foliage from a young plant at one time.

Cut-and-Come-Again Harvesting

Tuscan Kale is particularly well suited to progressive harvesting.

Rather than removing the entire plant, harvest lower and outer leaves first.

Leaving the centre intact allows the plant to continue producing new leaves over an extended period.

This method is particularly useful for home gardens where a small number of plants can provide repeated harvests.

Growing in Containers

Tuscan Kale can be grown successfully in larger pots and containers.

For best results:

• choose a container at least 30cm deep;
• make sure it has adequate drainage holes;
• use quality vegetable potting mix;
• grow approximately one mature plant per suitably sized container;
• provide full sun or a bright position; and
• monitor moisture more frequently than plants growing in garden soil.

A larger pot generally provides better root development and more stable moisture levels.

Growing Baby Kale

Tuscan Kale can also be harvested before full maturity.

For baby leaves:

1. Sow more closely than for mature plants.
2. Allow the seedlings to develop several true leaves.
3. Harvest tender leaves while relatively small.
4. Avoid removing the entire growing point if you want regrowth.

Young Tuscan Kale leaves are softer and more suitable for raw salads than large mature foliage.

Tips for Best Results

• Sow primarily from late summer through autumn.
• Do not pre-soak.
• Sow approximately 10mm deep.
• Expect germination in approximately 3–7 days under suitable conditions.
• Germination can occur at approximately 8–30°C.
• Allow approximately 40–50cm between mature plants.
• Provide full sun where practical.
• Maintain consistent soil moisture.
• Use fertile, well-drained soil.
• Harvest the outside leaves first.
• Preserve the central growing point for repeat harvests.
• Expect mature harvesting from approximately 55–65 days.

Watch for Brassica Pests

Tuscan Kale can be affected by common brassica pests including:

• cabbage white butterfly caterpillars;
• aphids;
• snails;
• slugs; and
• flea beetles.

Inspect plants regularly, including the undersides of leaves.

Remove pests manually where practical and use appropriate garden pest-control methods when required.

Crop Rotation

Where possible, avoid repeatedly planting kale, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and other brassicas in exactly the same garden bed.

Rotating plant families between growing areas can help reduce the build-up of some persistent brassica pests and soil-borne diseases.

Harvest & Storage

Harvest healthy leaves at the size you prefer.

For continued plant production, pick lower outside leaves while protecting the central growing point.

After harvesting:

1. Remove damaged or deteriorated leaves.
2. Keep harvested foliage cool.
3. Refrigerate promptly.
4. Store in a clean produce bag or suitable container.
5. Wash before use as appropriate.

For best eating quality, use the leaves while they remain fresh, crisp and firm.

Seed Storage

Store unused Tuscan Kale seed sealed in a cool, dry and dark place away from heat, moisture and direct sunlight.

For longer-term storage, refrigeration can help maintain seed viability. Keep refrigerated seed sealed while it returns to room temperature before opening to reduce condensation.