Young Cavolo Nero kale plants with crinkled, dark blue-green leaves growing in a tray

Kale 'Cavolo Nero' (Brassica oleracea) – Hardy Winter Vegetable (12 Plants in 2 x 6-Cell Trays)

£15.99
£15.99
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Young Cavolo Nero kale plants with crinkled, dark blue-green leaves growing in a tray
  • Young Cavolo Nero kale plants with crinkled, dark blue-green leaves growing in a tray
  • Young Cavolo Nero kale plants with crinkled, dark blue-green leaves growing in a tray
  • Young Cavolo Nero kale plants with crinkled, dark blue-green leaves growing in a tray
  • Young Cavolo Nero kale plants with crinkled, dark blue-green leaves growing in a tray
  • Young Cavolo Nero kale plants with crinkled, dark blue-green leaves growing in a tray
  • Young Cavolo Nero kale plants with crinkled, dark blue-green leaves growing in a tray
  • Young Cavolo Nero kale plants with crinkled, dark blue-green leaves growing in a tray
  • Young Cavolo Nero kale plants with crinkled, dark blue-green leaves growing in a tray
  • Young Cavolo Nero kale plants with crinkled, dark blue-green leaves growing in a tray
  • Young Cavolo Nero kale plants with crinkled, dark blue-green leaves growing in a tray
  • Young Cavolo Nero kale plants with crinkled, dark blue-green leaves growing in a tray
  • Young Cavolo Nero kale plants with crinkled, dark blue-green leaves growing in a tray
Kale 'Cavolo Nero' (Brassica oleracea) – Hardy Winter Vegetable (12 Plants in 2 x 6-Cell Trays)

Kale 'Cavolo Nero' (Brassica oleracea) – Hardy Winter Vegetable (12 Plants in 2 x 6-Cell Trays)

£15.99
£15.99

Cavolo Nero kale is a classic Italian heritage variety, loved by gardeners and cooks for its deeply crinkled, near-black leaves and rich, earthy flavour. You get 12 young plants, supplied in 2 trays of 6 cells, so you can skip seed sowing and start growing a productive crop in the garden, a raised bed or a large container.

Also known as Black Tuscan Kale, Lacinato Kale or Dinosaur Kale, Cavolo Nero (Brassica oleracea) has long, strap-like, blistered leaves in dark blue-green to near-black. It is a hardy plant that stands outside through winter frosts, and the flavour improves after the first autumn frosts. That makes it a superb late-season crop that keeps giving when other vegetables have finished. It is handsome enough for an ornamental kitchen garden border too.

Plant out into well-prepared, firm, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade, avoiding freshly manured ground. Space plants about 45-60cm apart so air can circulate, and water regularly in dry spells, especially after planting out. Firm the soil around the base after strong winds, as the tall plants can rock. A general-purpose fertiliser in spring encourages strong leafy growth.

Harvest the outer leaves from the base upwards, leaving the central growing point intact so the plant keeps cropping. Net the plants against pigeons and cabbage white butterflies. The RHS notes that kale can cause skin irritation and may harm dogs and cats if eaten.

Cultural Information

  • Common Name: Cavolo Nero, Black Tuscan Kale, Lacinato Kale
  • Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea Acephala Group
  • Fully Grown Height and Spread: Approx. 60-90cm tall and 45-60cm wide (variety dependent)
  • Growth Habit: Upright, open rosette of long, strap-shaped, blistered leaves
  • Perfect For: Kitchen gardens, raised beds, allotments, large containers
  • Foliage: Deeply crinkled, dark blue-green to near-black
  • Planting Position: Full sun to partial shade, sheltered from strong winds
  • Soil Type: Fertile, moist but well-drained, firm soil
  • Hardiness: Hardy, stands outside through winter frosts
  • Seasonal Interest: Harvest from mid-summer through to late winter
  • Type: Hardy leafy vegetable

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