How To Plant Lacinato Kale – For A Bountiful, Nutrient-Rich Harvest

Dreaming of a vibrant garden overflowing with fresh, healthy greens? Lacinato kale, with its distinctive dark, crinkly leaves, is a gardener’s delight and a nutritional powerhouse.

Often called “dinosaur kale” or “Tuscan kale,” this versatile vegetable not only elevates your culinary creations but also adds an intriguing texture to your garden beds.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of how to plant Lacinato kale, ensuring you cultivate a thriving patch that yields delicious harvests season after season.

Understanding Lacinato Kale: Your Garden’s Green Gem

Lacinato kale (Brassica oleracea var. palmifolia) stands out from its curly-leafed cousins with its elongated, deeply savoyed, blue-green leaves.

Its robust flavor mellows beautifully when cooked, making it a favorite for sautéing, soups, and even kale chips.

Beyond its culinary appeal, Lacinato kale is incredibly resilient, tolerating a range of conditions and even improving in flavor after a light frost.

Why Choose Lacinato Kale for Your Garden?

There are many compelling reasons to add this striking kale variety to your garden plan.

• It’s packed with vitamins K, A, and C, plus calcium and antioxidants.
• The plant offers a unique ornamental appeal with its deep color and textured leaves.
• Lacinato kale is known for its relatively mild flavor compared to other kales, making it palatable for many.
• It’s a cool-season crop that can be harvested over an extended period, providing a continuous supply.

Site Selection and Soil Preparation for Thriving Lacinato Kale

The foundation of a successful kale patch lies in choosing the right location and preparing your soil properly. Lacinato kale is a relatively unfussy plant, but it truly excels with a little forethought.

Choosing the Ideal Location

For optimal growth and leaf production, select a spot in your garden that receives full sun, meaning at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.

While it can tolerate partial shade, too little sun can result in leggy plants and smaller, less flavorful leaves.

Ensure the location has good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases, especially in humid conditions.

Preparing Your Soil for Success

Lacinato kale thrives in well-draining, fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. A slightly acidic to neutral pH, between 6.0 and 7.0, is ideal.

Start by clearing any weeds or debris from your chosen planting area. Then, perform a soil test to understand its current composition and pH level.

Amending your soil is a crucial step. Incorporate 2-4 inches of well-rotted compost or aged manure into the top 6-12 inches of soil.

This improves soil structure, drainage, and fertility, providing a slow-release source of nutrients for your growing kale.

If your soil is heavy clay, adding perlite or coarse sand along with organic matter can further enhance drainage.

When and How to Plant Lacinato Kale for Optimal Growth

Timing is everything when it comes to cool-season crops like Lacinato kale. Knowing when and how to plant lacinato kale ensures your plants get the best start.

Timing Your Planting: Cool-Season Cultivation

Lacinato kale is a biennial plant typically grown as an annual. It prefers cool temperatures, ideally between 60-70°F (15-21°C).

You have two main planting windows:

1. Spring Planting: Sow seeds 3-5 weeks before the last expected frost date, or transplant seedlings 2-3 weeks before. This allows the plants to establish before the summer heat.
2. Fall Planting: For a continuous harvest, sow seeds in mid to late summer, about 8-10 weeks before the first expected fall frost. Kale grown in the fall often has a sweeter flavor due to cooler temperatures.

Avoid planting in the peak of summer heat, as this can cause kale to bolt (go to seed) prematurely and develop a bitter taste.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Plant Lacinato Kale

Whether you’re starting from seed indoors, direct sowing, or transplanting, these steps will guide you.

Starting Seeds Indoors (4-6 weeks before last frost):

1. Fill seed-starting trays with a sterile seed-starting mix.
2. Sow seeds about 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep.
3. Lightly cover with soil and water gently.
4. Maintain soil moisture and keep temperatures around 65-70°F (18-21°C).
5. Once seedlings develop two sets of true leaves, thin them to 2-3 inches apart.
6. Harden off seedlings for 7-10 days before transplanting by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions.

Direct Sowing Seeds Outdoors:

1. Once the soil can be worked in spring or late summer, prepare your bed as described above.
2. Create shallow furrows about 1/2 inch deep.
3. Sow seeds 1 inch apart in the furrows.
4. Cover lightly with soil and water gently but thoroughly.
5. Once seedlings emerge and have two true leaves, thin them to 12-18 inches apart. This spacing is crucial for mature plant development.

Transplanting Seedlings Outdoors:

1. Dig holes slightly larger than the root ball of your hardened-off seedlings.
2. Space holes 12-18 inches apart in rows that are 18-24 inches apart.
3. Gently remove the seedling from its container, being careful not to disturb the roots.
4. Place the seedling in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface.
5. Backfill with soil, gently firming around the base of the plant.
6. Water immediately and thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.

Remember, knowing how to plant Lacinato kale correctly from the start sets the stage for a thriving, productive garden.

Nurturing Your Lacinato Kale: Watering, Feeding, and Pest Control

Once your Lacinato kale is in the ground, consistent care will ensure healthy growth and a bountiful harvest. These ongoing practices are key to keeping your plants vigorous.

Watering Wisely

Lacinato kale requires consistent moisture, especially during dry spells. Aim for 1-1.5 inches of water per week, either from rainfall or irrigation.

Water deeply at the base of the plants to encourage strong root development and avoid wetting the foliage, which can promote fungal diseases.

A layer of 2-3 inches of organic mulch, such as straw or shredded leaves, around your plants will help retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

Feeding Your Hungry Greens

While good soil preparation provides a solid start, kale is a relatively heavy feeder. About 3-4 weeks after planting, or when plants are 6-8 inches tall, you can side-dress with a balanced organic fertilizer (e.g., 5-10-5 or 10-10-10).

Alternatively, a nitrogen-rich amendment like compost tea or a blood meal solution can boost leafy growth.

Reapply a light feeding every 4-6 weeks during the growing season, especially if leaves appear pale or growth slows.

Vigilant Pest and Disease Management

Kale, like other brassicas, can attract certain pests. Regular inspection is your best defense.

• Cabbage Worms: These green caterpillars can quickly defoliate plants. Hand-pick them off or use organic solutions like Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), a natural bacterial insecticide.
• Aphids: Small, soft-bodied insects that cluster on new growth. Blast them off with a strong stream of water or apply insecticidal soap.
• Flea Beetles: Tiny, jumping beetles that chew small holes in leaves. Row covers can provide a physical barrier, especially for young plants.

Crop rotation is essential to prevent soil-borne diseases like clubroot. Avoid planting kale or other brassicas in the same spot for at least three years.

Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to minimize fungal issues like powdery mildew.

Harvesting Lacinato Kale: Maximizing Yields and Flavor

One of the most rewarding aspects of growing Lacinato kale is the ability to harvest it continuously. Knowing the proper technique ensures you get the most from your plants.

When and How to Harvest

Lacinato kale is typically ready for harvest about 60-80 days after seeding or 30-40 days after transplanting.

You can begin harvesting leaves once the plants are about 8-10 inches tall. Adopt a “cut-and-come-again” method for a prolonged yield.

To harvest, snap or cut the outer, mature leaves closest to the base of the plant. Leave the central growing point and at least four to five inner leaves intact.

This encourages the plant to continue producing new growth. Avoid stripping too many leaves at once, as this can stress the plant.

Harvesting regularly also keeps the leaves tender and prevents them from becoming tough or bitter.

Flavor Enhancement With Frost

A unique characteristic of Lacinato kale is that its flavor actually improves after a light frost.

The cold temperatures trigger the plant to convert starches into sugars, resulting in sweeter, more tender leaves.

If you’re growing a fall crop, don’t rush to harvest everything before the first frost; a little chill can be a good thing!

Common Challenges and Troubleshooting Your Lacinato Kale Patch

Even experienced gardeners encounter issues. Here are some common problems and practical solutions for your Lacinato kale.

Kale Leaves Turning Yellow

Yellowing leaves can indicate a few things:

• Nutrient Deficiency: Often a sign of nitrogen deficiency. Apply a balanced organic fertilizer or a nitrogen-rich amendment like blood meal.
• Overwatering/Underwatering: Check soil moisture. Ensure good drainage and adjust your watering schedule.
• Pests: Severe aphid infestations can cause yellowing. Inspect undersides of leaves.

Bolting (Going to Seed)

When kale “bolts,” it sends up a flower stalk and produces seeds, often becoming bitter. This is typically triggered by:

• Warm Temperatures: Planting too late in spring or too early in summer.
• Stress: Lack of water or nutrients can also induce bolting.

To prevent bolting, plant at the right time, ensure consistent watering, and provide adequate nutrients. Once kale bolts, the leaves become less palatable, though the flowers are edible.

Holes in Leaves

Small holes are almost always a sign of insect activity, most commonly:

• Flea Beetles: Tiny, shot-hole damage. Use row covers, especially for young plants.
• Cabbage Worms/Loopers: Larger, irregular holes. Hand-pick caterpillars or use Bt.
• Slugs/Snails: Irregular holes, often with slime trails. Set beer traps or use organic slug baits.

Regular inspection of both the top and underside of leaves is key to early detection and treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Growing Lacinato Kale

Can I Grow Lacinato Kale in Containers?

Yes, Lacinato kale grows very well in containers! Choose a pot at least 10-12 inches in diameter and depth with good drainage holes. Use a high-quality potting mix and ensure consistent watering, as container plants dry out faster.

How Often Should I Fertilize Lacinato Kale?

After incorporating compost at planting, you can fertilize lightly every 4-6 weeks with a balanced organic liquid fertilizer or by side-dressing with a nitrogen-rich amendment. Adjust based on plant vigor and soil test results.

What Are Good Companion Plants for Lacinato Kale?

Companion plants can help deter pests and improve growth. Good companions include dill, mint, rosemary, nasturtiums (which can act as a trap crop for aphids), and onions. Avoid planting near beans, as they can stunt kale growth.

How Do I Store Freshly Harvested Lacinato Kale?

To keep Lacinato kale fresh, wash and thoroughly dry the leaves. Wrap them in a paper towel and place them in a loosely sealed plastic bag in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer. It can last for 5-7 days.

Is Lacinato Kale Cold-Hardy?

Lacinato kale is quite cold-hardy, often surviving light to moderate frosts and even some freezing temperatures (down to about 20°F / -6°C). In colder climates, covering plants with row covers or a thick layer of mulch can extend the harvest season well into winter.

Conclusion: Enjoying Your Lacinato Kale Harvest

Mastering how to plant Lacinato kale will bring a rewarding experience to your garden and your kitchen. From preparing the soil to vigilant pest management, each step contributes to a healthy, productive harvest.

With its distinctive appearance and robust flavor, Lacinato kale is more than just a vegetable; it’s a testament to the joy of homegrown food.

So roll up your sleeves, get your hands in the soil, and prepare to enjoy the abundant, nutritious bounty of your very own Lacinato kale patch!

Taylor Galla Founder of Garden Aider

• Mechanical engineer
• Gardening since 2010
• Univ. of Nevada, Reno

From the author's notebook

Taylor pairs an engineer's eye with years of hands-on work in soil, lawns and outdoor machinery. He tests ideas in his own garden, keeps tractors and mowers running himself, and speaks to local horticulture groups. Every Garden Aider guide is written to be practical, accurate and safe to follow.

“To bring life alive, you just need to mix some love with the compost, bedding, and gardening machines.”

Published Aug 1, 2026