{"product_id":"col-m6p-kal-cav-nerx1","title":"Kale 'Cavolo Nero' (Brassica oleracea) – Hardy Winter Vegetable (12 Plants in 2 x 6-Cell Trays)","description":"\u003cp\u003eCavolo 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAlso 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePlant 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHarvest 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eCultural Information\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cavolo Nero, Black Tuscan Kale, Lacinato Kale\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Brassica oleracea Acephala Group\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFully Grown Height and Spread:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approx. 60-90cm tall and 45-60cm wide (variety dependent)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Habit:\u003c\/strong\u003e Upright, open rosette of long, strap-shaped, blistered leaves\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePerfect For:\u003c\/strong\u003e Kitchen gardens, raised beds, allotments, large containers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFoliage:\u003c\/strong\u003e Deeply crinkled, dark blue-green to near-black\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlanting Position:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun to partial shade, sheltered from strong winds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fertile, moist but well-drained, firm soil\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hardy, stands outside through winter frosts\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSeasonal Interest:\u003c\/strong\u003e Harvest from mid-summer through to late winter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hardy leafy vegetable\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"KOKE House","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54061542211850,"sku":"COL-M6P-KAL-CAV-NERX1","price":15.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0957\/2479\/8218\/files\/3_6776eb18-08f6-4623-956c-64eb379a7f15.png?v=1793895375","url":"https:\/\/kokehouse.co.uk\/products\/col-m6p-kal-cav-nerx1","provider":"KOKE House","version":"1.0","type":"link"}