How to Grow Lacinato Kale
Brassica oleracea var. acephala 'Lacinato'
Lacinato Kale stands out for its dark green, bumpy leaves that offer a distinct nutty flavor and tender texture. Gardeners prize this cool-season brassica not just as a culinary staple but also for its resilience against light frosts. It thrives in cooler weather, making it an ideal addition to spring and fall gardens.
📷 Wikimedia CommonsStarting Lacinato Kale: indoors or direct sow?
🌾 Sow directly in the garden — Lacinato Kale is not usually started indoors.
This plant is best direct-sown into the garden rather than transplanted, though seedlings can be moved outdoors two to six weeks before the last frost if started indoors.
Soil, care & harvest
Prepare your soil by ensuring a pH between 6.0 and 7.5, incorporating organic matter for drainage. Sow seeds directly outdoors or start indoors two to six weeks before the last spring frost. Press seeds into the soil at a depth of about one-quarter inch. Germination typically occurs within five to ten days once conditions are favorable.
Space plants twelve to eighteen inches apart to ensure proper air circulation and growth. While this kale does not require trellising, consistent moisture is key; aim for one inch of water weekly. Apply a layer of mulch around the base to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Feed lightly if growth seems sluggish, though it is generally low-maintenance once established.
Watch for cabbage worms, aphids, flea beetles, and leaf miners; use row covers or hand-picking to manage these pests. Prevent clubroot, downy mildew, and alternaria leaf spot by practicing crop rotation and ensuring good airflow. Harvest leaves when they reach maturity in sixty to ninety days after sowing, picking outer leaves first for continuous harvest.
When to Plant Lacinato Kale
Planting windows vary by USDA hardiness zone. Look up yours by ZIP code.
| Zone | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | April – May | June – July | August – September |
| Zone 2 | April – May | May – July | August – September |
| Zone 3 | March – April | May – June | July – October |
| Zone 4 | March – April | April – June | July – October |
| Zone 5 | February – March | April – May | June – November |
| Zone 6 | February – March | April – May | June – November |
| Zone 7 | February – March | March – May | June – November |
| Zone 8 | January – February | March – April | May – December |
| Zone 9 | January | February – March | April – December |
| Zone 10 | January | January – March | April – December |
| Zone 11 | January | January – February | March – December |
| Zone 12 | January | January – February | March – December |
| Zone 13 | January | January – February | March – December |
Companion Plants for Lacinato Kale
✓ Good companions
Different root depths prevent competition, carrots loosen soil for kale
Repels cabbage moths and white butterflies that lay eggs on brassicas
Attracts beneficial insects like parasitic wasps that prey on cabbage worms
Repels cabbage worms and aphids, improves soil health around kale
Makes efficient use of space as ground cover, doesn't compete for nutrients
Repels cabbage worms, aphids, and other brassica pests with strong scent
Acts as trap crop for aphids and flea beetles, protecting kale from these common pests
Deters cabbage moths, aphids, and cabbage loopers with sulfur compounds
✗ Keep away from
Can shade kale excessively and compete for nitrogen despite being nitrogen-fixers
Kale can inhibit strawberry growth and fruit production through root competition
Compete for similar nutrients and can stunt kale growth, may harbor similar pests
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving (USDA FoodData Central)
